Battle Detail

Fort Fisher II

Other Name:
Campaign:
Operations Against Fort Fisher & Wilmington
Date(s):
January-February 1865
Principal Commanders:
Rear Admiral David Porter [US] Major General Braxton Bragg [CS]
Forces Engaged:
0 total (US 0; CS 0;)
Estimated Casualties:
3642 total (US 1059; CS 2583;)
Description:
After the failure of his December expedition against Fort Fisher, Maj. Gen. Benjamin Butler was relieved of command. Maj. Gen. Alfred Terry was placed in command of a "Provisional Corps," including Paine's Division of U.S. Colored Troops, and supported by a naval force of nearly 60 vessels, to renew operations against the fort. After a preliminary bombardment directed by Rear Adm. David D. Porter on January 13, Union forces landed and prepared an attack on Maj. Gen. Robert Hoke's infantry line. On the 15th, a select force moved on the fort from the rear. A valiant attack late in the afternoon, following the bloody repulse of a naval landing party carried the parapet. The Confederate garrison surrendered, opening the way for a Federal thrust against Wilmington, the South's last open seaport on the Atlantic coast.
Results:
Union Victory
CWSAC Reference #:
NC015
Preservation Priority: