The USS Pulaski was a wooden-hulled sidewheel steamer in the United States Navy during the mid-19th century. Initially constructed as a civilian steamer, it was acquired by the Navy in 1861 for service in the American Civil War. The ship played a significant role in blockading Confederate ports along the Atlantic coast, capturing several blockade runners. However, the USS Pulaski met its tragic fate in June 1863 when a boiler explosion caused a catastrophic fire on board. The incident resulted in a significant loss of life, with over 100 crew members perishing in the disaster. Despite efforts to save the ship, it ultimately sank off the coast of North Carolina. The wreck of the USS Pulaski was discovered in 2018, shedding new light on the ship's history and the tragic events that led to its demise. The discovery has provided valuable insights into naval warfare during the Civil War era and the challenges faced by sailors serving on blockade duty. The USS Pulaski remains a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by naval personnel during one of the most tumultuous periods in American history.

This description has been generated using GPT-3.5-TURBO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.