Confederate forces abandon a key naval base on the Gulf of Mexico after holding out against a powerful Federal threat for over a year.

Exploring the most important 55 months in American history
Confederate forces abandon a key naval base on the Gulf of Mexico after holding out against a powerful Federal threat for over a year.
Harvey Brown directs a preemptive attack on Confederates looking to take back Fort Pickens on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Confederates attempt to seize Fort Pickens, a Federal stronghold on Santa Rosa Island near Pensacola, Florida.
Federals break an unofficial truce by reinforcing Fort Pickens, a vital installation near Pensacola, Florida.
President Abraham Lincoln orders the reinforcement of Fort Pickens at Pensacola, but mix-ups in orders make it more difficult than intended.
President Lincoln overrides General Scott’s recommendation by ordering the reinforcement of Fort Pickens at Pensacola.