CSS Charleston was an ironclad ram built for the Confederate Navy during the American Civil War. Construction at Charleston, South Carolina was authorized in fall 1862 and the ship was laid down in December 1862, entering service nine months later. The Charleston served as the Charleston Squadron's flagship alongside CSS Palmetto State and CSS Chicora during the defense of that city. Captained by Cdr. Isaac N. Brown. Set on fire and abandoned in Charleston harbor on 18 February 1865 to prevent capture, along with her sister ships, as the city was evacuated by the Confederates.