Mobile Bay

In the early fall of 1864, Admiral David Farragut’s fleet attacked one of the last open Confederate ports. After one of his ships hit a torpedo in the bay, Admiral Farragut famously said, “ Damn the Torpedoes, full speed ahead.” Several hours later, his fleet defeated the Confederate fleet and secured the bay.  

How It Ended

Union victory. After hours of intense fighting, the Confederate naval forces under Admiral Franklin Buchanan were defeated by Admiral David G. Farragut’s fleet, closing Mobile as an open port and assisting in the re-election of President Abraham Lincoln.

In Context

Mobile Bay was one of the last open Confederate ports. Its defenses included a series of forts, mines, and obstructions, making it hard for any Federal force to attack the bay. By 1864, David Farragut was tasked with capturing the bay and closing the port. During his preparations, Admiral Farragut assembled a joint Army and Naval force. Operations began on August 2, 1864, and lasted till August 23rd. After taking Fort Gaines on Dauphin Island and Fort Morgan on Mobile Point, Union forces cut off Mobile from open trade.