ACTIVE
Coast
and Geodetic Survey Ship ACTIVE as seen looking to the port
quarter. This is the only known photograph of this vessel.
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Steamer,
length 172.5 feet, beam 24.5 feet, draft 10.3 feet. In service 1852-1861.
Purchased in 1852 on the West Coast. Former name was the GOLDHUNTER.
A sidewheel steamer by one account built in 1836. Conducted first
reconnaissance from San Francisco to San Diego in 1852. Lieutenant
James Alden was the commanding officer for most of its active period
with the Coast Survey. Also used as troop transport and dispatch boat
during various Indian wars and during the San Juan Islands Pig War.
Rushed Union troops to Los Angeles during the early stages of the
Civil War. Sold in 1862. West Coast service only.
