USS Braziliera (1856)

USS Braziliera (1856) was a bark acquired by the Union Navy during the American Civil War. She was used by the Union Navy primarily as a gunboat stationed off Confederate ports to prevent their trading with foreign countries.

Built in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1861
Braziliera — a wooden bark — was built in 1856 by J. J. Abrahams, Baltimore, Maryland; purchased at New York City on 30 July 1861; and commissioned on 27 October 1861, Acting Volunteer Lieutenant C. F. W. Behm in command.

Assigned to the North Atlantic Blockade
She joined the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron and served on the blockade of Beaufort, North Carolina. On 3 March 1862, Braziliera received considerable damage when the bark USS Amanda (1856) dragged anchor at Hampton Roads, Virginia, and collided with her.

Reassigned to the South Atlantic Blockade
On 27 June, Braziliera reported to the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron. While with the Squadron she captured four vessels. She also took part in the destruction of salt works on St. Simon's Sound, Georgia, and lumberworks on St. Andrew Bay, Florida.

In May 1864, she assisted in defeating the attack of CSS North Carolina at the mouth of the Cape Fear River, North Carolina.

Post-war decommissioning and sale
Braziliera was sold on 2 June 1865 at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.