The first USS Bainbridge was a brig in the United States Navy during the American Civil War.

Sailing from Boston on January 26, 1843, Bainbridge served with the Home Squadron until returning to New York on May 3, 1844.

On August 3, 1862, she sailed from New York to join the East Gulf Blockading Squadron at Key West, Florida.

In September 1862, she was ordered to Aspinwall, Granadine Confederation, where — from November 22–24 — a severe storm forced her to jettison all spars, sails, gun carriages, howitzers, shot, powder, provisions, and water.

On August 21, 1863, while proceeding to her station with the South Atlantic Blockading Squadron, she capsized off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, with the loss of all but one of her crew.