USS Racer was a schooner acquired by the Union Navy during the American Civil War. She was used for various purposes, but, especially for bombardment because of her large 13-inch mortar that could fire up and over tall riverbanks. Racer was purchased for $7500 by the Navy at New York City 29 August 1861; and commissioned at the New York Navy Yard 21 January, Acting Master Alvin Phinney in command.