CSS Nansemond, a 166-ton twin-screw gunboat, was built at Norfolk, Virginia. Commissioned shortly before Norfolk fell to Federal forces in May 1862, she spent the remainder of the Civil War on the James River. In June-October 1864, Nansemond took part in engagements at Trent's Reach, Dutch Gap and Fort Harrison. She was burned 3 April 1865, at the time the Confederate Government evacuated Richmond.