OTD 165 YEARS AGO: After struggling through a horrific storm on the Atlantic, the Federal naval squadron attacks and captures a vital Confederate port.
Category: Military
The Battle of Belmont
OTD 165 YEARS AGO: Ulysses S. Grant’s Federal army narrowly escapes destruction in southwestern Missouri but gains important battle experience.
Federals Prepare to Attack Port Royal
165 YEARS AGO: A massive Federal armada of 77 war vessels begins arriving off Port Royal, S.C., with plans to bombard the forts guarding the port into submission.
The Belmont Expedition
165 YEARS AGO: Ulysses S. Grant receives orders to stop Confederates at Columbus, Ky. from reinforcing the Missouri State Guards.
The Removal of John C. Fremont
165 YEARS AGO: John C. Fremont faces removal from command of the Federal Army of the West due to unauthorized actions and corruption in his department. Fremont is ultimately replaced by David Hunter, but not without desperate resistance.
Remind Me of That Spectacle
165 YEARS AGO: President Lincoln and his cabinet unanimously agree to retire Winfield Scott and replace him with George B. McClellan as general-in-chief of all U.S. armies.