The Battle of Hatteras Inlet Batteries was a crucial engagement during the early months of the American Civil War, occurring off the barrier islands of North Carolina. Federal forces, under the command of Commodore Silas H. Stringham and General Benjamin F. Butler, launched an assault against the Confederate-held batteries on August 28 and 29, 1861. The Confederates had constructed defenses at Hatteras Inlet to protect access to the vital Pamlico Sound, a significant waterway for trade and supply routes. The Union's strategy involved a naval blockade, which commenced shortly after the war's outbreak, aimed at restricting Southern access to international supplies. As a part of this broader strategy, the assault on the Hatteras Inlet was meticulously planned, utilizing naval bombardments to weaken the Confederate defenses before landing infantry troops to secure the area. After intense fighting, the Union forces successfully captured the batteries, thus gaining control of Hatteras Inlet and facilitating access to Pamlico Sound for the Union Navy. The victory represented a pivotal moment early in the war, showcasing the effectiveness of naval power in supporting ground operations. This triumph provided the Union Navy with a critical foothold in North Carolina, enabling further expeditions and contributing to the eventual blockade of Southern ports. The battle underscored the momentum that Federal forces aimed to build against the Confederacy’s coastal defenses.