USS Preston (1864)

USS Preston (1864) was a blockade-running steamer captured by the Union Navy during the American Civil War.

She was placed in service on the Gulf of Mexico by the Union Navy as a gunship during blockade operations against the Confederate States of America.

Captured by the Union Navy
Preston, a twin screw British blockade runner named Annie, was captured off New Inlet, North Carolina, 31 October 1864 by USS Wilderness (1864) and USS Niphon (1863); purchased by the Navy from the New York City Prize Court in December 1864; renamed Preston 2 February 1865; and commissioned 6 February 1865, Acting Volunteer Lt. J. R. Wheeler in command.

Civil War service
Assigned to the West Gulf Blockading Squadron, Preston departed New York City 16 February and arrived at New Orleans, Louisiana, 9 March.

She operated along the Texas coast into July and on the 25th was ordered to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Decommissioning
Decommissioned in Philadelphia 8 August 1865, she was sent to New York City in November and sold at auction on the 30th.