USS Wampanoag, a 4215-ton steam frigate, was laid down at the New York Navy Yard in 1863 as part of a Civil War program of large, very fast, steam cruisers. Launched in December 1864, her completion was slowed by the coming of peace and she was not commissioned until September 1867. Wampanoag ran trials in February 1868, reaching speeds in excess of 17 knots, a very high figure for that time. Following brief service as flagship of the North Atlantic Fleet, she decommissioned in May 1868. A year later, while laid up, her name was changed to Florida. In 1874, the ship was refitted for use as storeship at the New London Naval Station, Connecticut, where she remained until sold in February 1885.