The CSS Alabama, a formidable Confederate commerce raider, encountered the USS Hatteras near the Galveston Lighthouse off the coast of Texas. Under the command of Captain Raphael Semmes, the Alabama was part of a broader strategy to disrupt Union shipping and strengthen the Confederate blockade-running efforts. As the Alabama approached the Hatteras, there was an exchange of gunfire that quickly escalated into a full battle. Despite the Hatteras's efforts to defend itself, the superior firepower and tactics of the Alabama led to a swift defeat. The Hatteras was eventually sunk, marking another significant loss for the Union Navy during the Civil War.This engagement illustrated the vulnerability of Union naval forces to the aggressive tactics employed by Confederate raiders. The sinking of the Hatteras posed strategic challenges for the Union, as they were tasked with securing supply lines along the Gulf of Mexico, critical for maintaining operations. Captain Semmes's successful command further enhanced the reputation of the CSS Alabama, which would go on to capture numerous Union merchant ships. The Hatteras's loss also highlighted the effectiveness of the Confederate Navy in disrupting Union naval activities, which was crucial for the South's economy and war efforts. These naval engagements played a significant role in the broader context of the Civil War, influencing both military strategy and the morale of the forces involved.