USS Maria J. Carlton (1861) was a schooner acquired by the Union Navy during the American Civil War. She was used by the Union Navy as a mortar schooner after being outfitted with a mortar and howitzers which could fire a projectile up-and-over instead of directly straight ahead. Maria J. Carlton was purchased by the Navy at Middletown, Connecticut, from a Mr. Warner of Haddam, Connecticut, 15 October 1861; converted to mortar schooner at New York Navy Yard; and commissioned 29 January 1862, Acting Master Charles E. Jack in command.