USS Franklin, a 5170-ton screw frigate, was built at the Portsmouth Navy Yard, New Hampshire, between 1854 and 1867. Commissioned in June 1867, she served three tours as European Squadron flagship over the next decade. In March 1877, she became the receiving ship at the Norfolk Navy Yard, Virginia. Later housed over and stripped of her masts and spars, Franklin remained in that role until October 1915, when she was decommissioned and sold.