The first USS Cayuga was a in the United States Navy.
Cayuga was launched 21 October 1861 by S. Gildersleeve and Sons, Portland, Connecticut and outfitted at New York Navy Yard. She was commissioned 21 February 1862, Lieutenant N. B. Harrison in command, and reported to the West Gulf Blockading Squadron.
Service history
Cayuga arrived at Ship Island in Mississippi Sound on 26 March 1862, for service in the lower Mississippi River, its tributaries, and along the Gulf coast of Texas. Only once did she leave this area, from 1 May to 8 July 1862, when she made repairs at New York Navy Yard.
Playing an important part in the blockade which cut the Confederacy off from overseas sources of supply, Cayuga took an impressive number of prizes, including schooner Jesse J. Cox (25 March 1862), schooner Tampico (3 April 1863), sloop Blue Bell (2 July 1863), schooner J. T. Davis (10 August 1863), and schooner Wave (22 August 1863). In addition, she shared in the capture of sloop Active (21 June 1863).
thumb|left|Cayuga at the [[Battle of Forts Jackson and St. Philip]]
Cayuga also joined in the engagement with Forts Jackson and St. Philip below New Orleans, Louisiana in April 1862, which led to the fall of the city to Flag Officer David Farragut. Three of Cayuga's sailors were awarded the Medal of Honor for their actions during this battle: Captain of the Afterguard William Parker, Quartermaster Edward Wright, and Boatswain's Mate William Young.