Union Navy Wins: Mississippi River Secured
Union gunboats engaged the Confederate River Defense Fleet on the Mississippi River at Memphis on June 6, 1862, sinking or capturing seven of eight Confederate vessels in a battle watched by thousands of spectators lining the bluffs. Colonel Charles Ellet Jr., commanding a fleet of steam-powered rams (boats designed to collide with and sink enemy vessels), led the attack and was mortally wounded by a pistol ball, the only Union casualty. Memphis surrendered by noon. The victory gave the Union control of the entire Mississippi River except for the 200-mile stretch between Port Hudson, Louisiana, and Vicksburg, Mississippi. The rapid collapse of Confederate river forces demonstrated the futility of improvised naval defense against purpose-built warships and professional crews.
June 6, 1862
164 years ago
Key Figures & Places
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