USS Wyalusing, a 974-ton Sassacus class "Double-Ender" side-wheel steam gunboat, was built at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Commissioned in February 1864, she joined the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron and was soon assigned to the North Carolina Sounds. On 5 May 1864, she participated in a battle with the Confederate ironclad CSS Albemarle. Later in that month, five of Wyalusing's sailors attempted to sink Albemarle with a swimmer-delivered mine. Though this attack failed, all five men were awarded the Medal of Honor for their heroic effort.

On 31 October 1864, following Albemarle's destruction, Wyalusing took part in the capture of Plymouth, N.C. She also participated in expeditions up the Roanoke River in December. Remaining in the North Carolina Sounds area until after the end of the Civil War, Wyalusing was decommissioned in June 1865. She was sold in October 1867.