CSS Tallahassee was originally the Atalanta, built in Great Britain in 1863 and intended for running the US blockade of the CSA. An iron-hulled twin-screw steamer, she was capable of at least 20 knots. After several passages through the blockade, she was taken into Confederate service as the CSS Tallahassee, later CSS Olustee, fitted with guns of various caliber, and served as a commerce raider taking some 37 prizes. Her guns were removed and she returned to running cargo through the blockade as the CSS Chameleon.