USS Champion, a 115-ton side-wheel "Tinclad" river gunboat, was built in 1859 at Cincinnati, Ohio, as the civilian steamer Champion No. 4. Purchased by the Navy in March 1863, she was converted to a gunboat and commissioned the following month. During 1863-65, Champion was active on patrol, convoy, towing and transportation duties on the Mississippi River and its tributaries. She decommissioned in July 1865 and was sold in November 1865. Until about 1868, she was again employed as the civilian Champion No. 4.