Battle of Hatteras Inlet Batteries

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Battle of Hatteras Inlet Batteries
Part of the American Civil War
Capture of the Forts at Cape Hatteras inlet Alfred R. Waud, artist, August 28, 1861.
Date August 28-August 29, 1861 Location Dare County, North Carolina Result Union victory
Combatants
United States of America	Confederate States of America
Commanders
Benjamin F. Butler	William F. Martin
Strength
9th and 20th New York regiments (est. 2,000)	Hatteras Island Garrison (900)
Casualties
3	770

Blockade of the Carolina Coast
Hatteras Inlet Batteries

The Battle of Hatteras Inlet Batteries, also known as the Battle of Forts Clark and Hatteras, took place from August 28-August 29, 1861 in Dare County, North Carolina, as part of the Carolina Coast Blockade of the American Civil War.

On August 26, an amphibious Union expedition led by Maj. Gen. Benjamin F. Butler and Flag-Officer Silas Stringham, embarked from Fort Monroe to capture Hatteras Inlet, an important haven for blockade-runners. On the 28th, while the navy bombarded Forts Clark and Hatteras, Union troops came ashore and attacked the rear of the Confederate batteries. On August 29, Col. William F. Martin surrendered the Confederate garrison of 670. The Federals lost only one man. Butler returned to Fort Monroe, leaving the captured forts garrisoned. This movement was part of Union efforts to seize coastal enclaves from which to enforce the blockade.

During the battle, the Cape Hatteras Light was damaged by Confederate artillery, and retreating Confederate troops seized the fresnel lens. After the war, a new lighthouse was built 600 feet inland.[1]

[edit] Source

• CWSAC Battle Summaries, National Park Service