The Battle of Plymouth was a significant military engagement during the American Civil War, taking place in April 1864 in Plymouth, North Carolina. This small port town had strategic importance as it allowed control over the Roanoke River, a vital supply route for Union forces in the region. The battle commenced when Confederate troops, under the command of General William Henry Chase Whiting, sought to reclaim Plymouth after it had fallen into Union hands in 1862. The Union forces, commanded by Colonel John H. J. McGowan, were resolutely entrenched, prepared to resist any assault on their stronghold.

The siege lasted for several days, marked by fierce skirmishes and artillery exchanges. The Confederate forces surrounded Plymouth, cutting off reinforcements and supplies. The blockade was meant to weaken the Union's position and eventually lead to the city's surrender. McGowan's men fought gallantly, but the overwhelming numbers and resources of the Confederate troops ultimately led to the fall of the town. By the end of the battle, Plymouth was captured, leading to significant strategic advantages for the Confederacy in northeastern North Carolina.

Plymouth's fall had implications for the Union's control of supply routes and demonstrated the continuing significance of naval blockades. The Confederates' victory was short-lived, as the town was eventually retaken by Union forces later in 1864, but it underscored the intense struggle for control of key maritime points during the war. This battle was emblematic of the shifting fortunes both armies faced throughout the conflict.