The Old War Horse

<p> With a unique prewar history as a snagboat and James B. Eads' noted catamaran salvage vessel, the <I>Benton</I> survived a tumultuous government acquisition process and conversion to become flagship of the Union's Civil War Western river navy. From Island No. 10 through the Vicksburg and Red River campaigns, the revolutionary ironclad participated in both combat and administrative activities, earning a prominent place in nautical legend and literature.</p><p> Th