165 YEARS AGO: The first Federal joint army-navy expedition of the war sets out to close one of North Carolina’s busiest ports.
Category: Navy
Naval Operations Along the Coast and at Sea
165 YEARS AGO: The C.S.S. Sumter completes her first raid on U.S. shipping, Federals strengthen their blockade, and a Federal crew takes on Confederate privateers.
The C.S.S. Sumter Escapes
OTD 165 YEARS AGO: The Confederate government acquired a merchant steamer and converted her into a naval cruiser named the C.S.S. Sumter. Led by Captain Raphael Semmes, the Sumter runs the Federal blocked and enters the Gulf of Mexico to begin her career of waging war on U.S. shipping.
Naval Strategies North and South
165 YEARS AGO: Confederate and U.S. officials work to develop strategies to wage war against each other on the waters. The Confederate Navy Secretary pushes for building armored warships, while the Federal naval blockade intensifies and strategy turns to capturing Confederate ports.
A Matter of the First Necessity
OTD 165 YEARS AGO: The Confederate Congress approved waging a new form of naval warfare by authorizing expenditures to build ironclad warships. Meanwhile, Confederates expel the last Federal troops from Texas and continue their military buildup to defend against the U.S.
Federals Abandon a Vital Naval Base
OTD 165 YEARS AGO: Virginia militia seize the Gosport Navy Yard at Norfolk after Federals abandon the vital naval base with controversial haste.