USS Saranac, a 2100-ton side-wheel steamer, was built by the Portsmouth Navy Yard, Kittery, Maine. Launched in November 1848, she entered commissioned service in October 1850. Following two years of operations off the Atlantic Coast, Saranac transported a Brazilian diplomat home in October 1852 and remained in the South Atlantic for several more months. She next deployed to the Mediterranean Sea between November 1853 and June 1856. An overhaul at the Philadelphia Navy Yard was followed, beginning in September 1857, by a voyage around Cape Horn to the U.S. Pacific Coast. Saranac remained in the Pacific for the rest of her career. During the Civil War she was active protecting U.S. commercial shipping from the threat of Confederate raiders. On 18 June 1875 USS Saranac was wrecked near Vancouver, British Columbia.

This page features all the views we have concerning USS Saranac.

Photo #: NH 43748 USS Saranac (1850-1875) At a harbor mooring. Courtesy of the Bethlehem Steel Company Archives. Skerrett Collection.
Photo #: NH 43997 USS Saranac (1850-1875) Moored in a Pacific Coast harbor, during the 1870s. Collection of Medical Inspector William E. Taylor, USN, who served in this ship during 1872-1874. Donation of Mrs. William E. Taylor.
Photo #: NH 76112 USS Saranac (1850-1875) Moored off the Mare Island Navy Yard, California, with the city of Vallejo in the background, circa the later 1860s or early 1870s. Collection of Edward F. Hauseman. Courtesy of Charles M. Loring, 1972.
Photo #: NH 68685 Mare Island Navy Yard, California View looking along the waterfront during the 1870s, with the city of Vallejo on the opposite side of the channel. Ships tied up at the Navy Yard include USS Saranac (left), USS Independence (center), and a Revenue Cutter (right center). Moored offshore are USS California (left) and USS Pensacola (left center). The yard's floating drydock is in the right distance. Photograph from the William H. Topley collection. Courtesy of Charles M. Loring, 1969.
Photo #: NH 43998 USS Saranac (1850-1875) Cartoon inscribed "Knife presented to P. Fitzsimmons with compt. of W.R. (Wardroom) Mess of U.S.S. Saranac". Assistant Surgeon Paul Fitzsimmons served in Saranac under Surgeon William E. Taylor during 1872-1874. Collection of Medical Inspector William E. Taylor, USN. Donation of Mrs. William E. Taylor.