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DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY -- NAVAL HISTORICAL CENTER
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Photo # NH 44970:  Lieutenant Joseph B. Smith, circa 1861

Online Library of Selected Images:
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Lieutenant Joseph B. Smith, USN, (1826-1862)

Joseph B. Smith, born in Belfast, Maine, in 1826, was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy in 1841. After graduating with the Class of 1847, he served at the Washington Navy Yard, in USS Mississippi and with the U.S. Coast Survey. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 1855, and soon afterwards was assigned to the steam frigate Merrimack, his station until 1857. Smith next had ordnance duty at the Washington Navy Yard, D.C.

Lieutenant Smith joined USS Congress in about 1859. As her Executive Officer, he was in charge of the ship during the Commanding Officer's absence when she was attacked and destroyed by CSS Virginia on 8 March 1862. Joseph B. Smith was killed in action during this battle.

Two U.S. Navy ships have been named in honor of Lieutenant Smith: USS Smith (Destroyer # 17) of 1909-1921; and USS Smith (DD-378) of 1936-1947.

This page features all our views of Lieutenant Joseph B. Smith, USN.


If you want higher resolution reproductions than the "Online Library's" digital images, see: "How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions."

Click on the small photograph to prompt a larger view of the same image.

Photo #: NH 44970

Lieutenant Joseph B. Smith, USN


Photographed by Black, 173 Washington St., Boston, Massachusetts, circa 1861.
Lieutenant Smith was killed in action while serving as acting commander of USS Congress during her 8 March 1862 battle with CSS Virginia.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 91KB; 480 x 765 pixels

 
Photo #: NH 44971

Lieutenant Joseph B. Smith, USN


Photographed by Black, 173 Washington St., Boston, Massachusetts, circa 1861.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 77KB; 470 x 765 pixels

 
Photo #: NH 66587

Lieutenant Joseph B. Smith, USN


19th Century line engraving after a photograph by Black & Batchelder.
Lt. Smith was killed while serving as acting commander of USS Congress on 8 March 1862, when she was lost in combat with CSS Virginia.

U.S. Naval Historical Center Photograph.

Online Image: 162KB; 600 x 765 pixels

 


If you want higher resolution reproductions than the "Online Library's" digital images, see: "How to Obtain Photographic Reproductions."


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Page made 29 June 2001
Link added 14 January 2004