One of a class of sloops built in the early
1820's, Vandalia was designed to carry the new 24 pound long guns
on a smaller vessel than a frigate. The class was designed by a committee,
but each yard that built the sloops was allowed a great deal of latitude
to alter the plans. Originally intended to have a full round stern,
some of the class, like the Vandalia ended up with a compromise "half-round"
stern. In Vandalia's case, she even ended up with quarter galleries
stuck on as homage to tradition. She did not have a distinguished
career, but she had a long one, serving through the American Civil
War.