Battle of Memphis: Union Navy Destroys Confederate Fleet on the Mississippi
Union gunboats crushed Confederate forces on the Mississippi River, compelling Memphis's surrender by noon and erasing rebel naval power from the waterway. Yet Federal commanders ignored this victory for six months, failing to realize the river was now open to Vicksburg until Grant finally moved in November. This lopsided engagement also ended the era of civilians commanding warships, establishing professional standards within the United States Navy.
June 6, 1862
164 years ago
Key Figures & Places
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