Battle of Mobile Bay, 5 August 1864

Background. Following the loss of New Orleans in April 1862, Mobile became the only major port in the eastern Gulf of Mexico requiring defense. The Union strategy allowed the Confederate Army to strengthen Fort Morgan and Fort Gaines at the bay's entrance. Farragut's instructions to capture Mobile were delayed until after the fall of Vicksburg in July 1863, setting the stage for the August 1864 engagement.

Confederate Defenses. Admiral Franklin Buchanan commanded the small Confederate flotilla at Mobile, which included the ironclad Tennessee, the only armored vessel in the lower bay. The Confederate military had improved defenses by strengthening Fort Morgan and Fort Gaines. Tennessee lacked the speed to ram Union vessels, forcing Buchanan to engage the entire Federal fleet single-handed rather than sheltering under Fort Morgan's guns.

Strategic Significance. Mobile was the last important port on the Gulf of Mexico east of the Mississippi River remaining in Confederate possession. Its closure was the final step in completing the blockade in that region. The battle resulted in the Union taking control of Mobile Bay, sealing one of the last major Southern ports.