USS Ceres was a small 150-long-ton (152 t) steamboat acquired by the Union Navy during the beginning of the American Civil War.

Here she maintained the close watch for Confederate States merchantmen through which the blockading forces provided so important a part of the U.S. Navy's contribution in the American Civil War.

Another crucial assignment carried out by Ceres' squadron was support for Union Army forces holding or attempting to take coastal positions, as well as providing boats and cover for amphibious operations, raids, and reconnaissance.

After a final patrol period off North Carolina, Ceres was decommissioned at New York City on 14 July 1865, and sold on 25 October 1865.

This article incorporates text from the public domain Dictionary of American Naval Fighting Ships.