The first USS Dawn was a steam-operated vessel acquired by the Union Navy during the American Civil War.

Arriving on station on 14 May, she patrolled the coastal and inland waters of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, frequently exchanging fire with enemy shore batteries, and joining in the attacks on Fort McAllister of 27 January-1 February 1863.

She also assisted in the capture of several blockade runners, including the Confederate privateer Nashville with a valuable cargo of cotton.

Wilson's Wharf and the soon to be completed Fort Pocahontas remained in Union hands for the duration of the war.

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