Federal Forces Capture Hatteras Inlet Batteries
August 29th, 1861
August 29th, 1861

How Long Ago?
163 years, 6 months, 15 days ago
Location
Hatteras Inlet, North Carolina, USA
Category
Military & Warfare
War/Conflict
American Civil War
People
- Silas H. Stringham
- Benjamin F. Butler
- Robert W. Cobb
Links & References
Tags
Federal Forces Capture Hatteras Inlet Batteries
The Federal forces engaged in a significant naval battle to seize the Hatteras Inlet Batteries, leading to the capture of the strategic location. The battle, fought off the coast of North Carolina, marked an early successful effort by the Union to gain control of key positions in Southern territory during the Civil War. The Union troops, led by Commodore Silas H. Stringham and General Benjamin F. Butler, utilized naval bombardment and landed troops, demonstrating the importance of combined naval and ground operations.
Hatteras Inlet is crucial for naval operations.
Union utilized naval bombardment strategy successfully.
Victory aided in establishing a blockade of the South.
Commodore Stringham played a key leadership role.
What Happened?
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.
Why Does it Matter?
The capture of the Hatteras Inlet Batteries was an important military success for the Union, establishing a strategic presence in North Carolina. This victory not only ensured control over a vital area of access but also gave the Union Navy a base for further operations in the region. This offensive marked one of the earliest uses of combined naval and land operations in the Civil War, setting a precedent for future campaigns and establishing the significance of blockading tactics.
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