An Encyclopedia of Early Civil War Virginia
In early June 1861, the Union blockade of Virginia escalated when the USS Harriet Lane exchanged fire with a newly built Confederate battery at Pig Point, across Hampton Roads from Newport News. This little-known naval skirmish revealed the strength of Southern defenses, thwarted Maj. Gen. Benjamin Butler’s plans, and underscored how quickly the Civil War…
Continue reading ➞ Fire Across Hampton Roads: The USS Harriet Lane at Pig Point
Since April 27, 1861, the U.S. Navy had been enforcing an economic and military blockade on Virginia ports, and several small fleets of U.S. Navy ships and converted civilian vessels had exchanged fire with Confederate shore batteries in the Potomac and James rivers. U.S. Maj. Gen. Benjamin Butler, commanding Fort Monroe at Old Point Comfort…
Continue reading ➞ 160 Years Ago Today: Engagement at Pig Point
Spirit of '61 