USS Dragon was a small 118-ton steamer acquired by the Union Navy during the start of the American Civil War.

Dragon's primary assignment was to participate as a gunboat in the Union blockade of the ports and waterways of the Confederate States of America.

Dragon, a screw steamer, was purchased at New York City in December 1861; outfitted at New York Navy Yard; and sailed 20 December 1861, Acting Master W. Watson in command, to join the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron at Hampton Roads, Virginia.

On 8 March 1862 Dragon participated in the famous engagement in Hampton Roads between United States and Confederate naval forces during which Cumberland and Congress were sunk by the ironclad Virginia.

When the battle was renewed the following day Dragon endeavored to get USS Minnesota afloat but was halted when a shot from one of Virginia's rifled guns entered her boiler, exploding and causing severe damage.