Battle of Cockle Creek facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Cockle Creek
Part of the American Civil War
Date October 5, 1861 Location Chincoteague, Virginia Result Union victory
Belligerents
United States (Union)	CSA (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
Alexander Murray	Unknown
Strength
USS Louisiana (98)	Schooner Venus and two sloops (300+)

The Battle of Cockle Creek happened on October 5, 1861. It was a small naval fight near Chincoteague, Virginia. This battle took place early in the American Civil War. It was important for keeping a key area loyal to the Union.

Why the Battle Happened

Chincoteague's Loyalty

In 1861, the people of Chincoteague Island voted to stay with the Union. This was unusual because the rest of Virginia had voted to leave the Union. Chincoteague's economy relied on selling seafood to northern cities. They did not have many enslaved people, so their way of life was different from other parts of Virginia.

Confederate Smuggling Plans

Even though Chincoteague was loyal, it was surrounded by Confederate supporters. These supporters were in Virginia and Maryland. They used bays and rivers like Chincoteague Bay to smuggle weapons north. These weapons were meant for Confederate sympathizers in Maryland and Delaware. They also planned to attack Union ships entering Delaware Bay. A ship called the Venus was central to these plans.

Islanders Ask for Help

On July 4, 1861, many islanders met on Chincoteague. They celebrated American independence. They signed a paper promising to support the United States. They also sent letters to the U.S. Navy. These letters warned about weapons being smuggled. The islanders asked for protection and permission to ship oysters north.

At first, the Navy did not act. But President Lincoln learned about the situation. His Treasury Secretary, Salmon P. Chase, shared a letter. The letter warned that the Union could lose important resources. It also said that key water routes might be blocked. This made Navy leaders realize they needed to help Chincoteague. So, a new officer, Louis M. Goldsborough, took charge.

The Battle of Cockle Creek

Confederate Ships Arrive

On September 28, eight small boats were seen near Chincoteague. They were marking the channel with lanterns. This allowed two sloops and a large schooner to enter the inlet. By morning, these three ships were anchored near Cockle Creek. The schooner, named Venus, was flying a Confederate flag.

Union Navy Responds

The islanders quickly sent a small oyster sloop to warn the Navy again. They met with Captain Goldsborough. He promised immediate help. Soon after, on September 30, Lieutenant Commander Alexander Murray arrived. He came with 90 men on the USS Louisiana. This was a new, powerful steamship.

The Venus had been turned into a privateer. This meant it was a private ship allowed to attack enemy ships. It had ten guns and many rifles and powder. It was perfect for attacking ships in Delaware Bay.

The Fight Begins

On October 5, at 9 a.m., the Union attacked. Two boats from the Louisiana fired howitzers at the Venus. Then, the Louisiana itself entered the inlet. It fired its large 32-pounder gun. A group of 300 Virginians tried to stop the Union boats. But the Union sailors boarded the Venus.

The heavy fire from the Louisiana stopped the Virginian defense. The Union boarding party set the Venus on fire. The ship burned and sank in Cockle Creek. The two other sloops were captured. They were taken to Norfolk as prizes. This battle ended the Confederate threat to Delaware Bay.

What Happened Next

The Louisiana stayed near Chincoteague for a while. Two days after the battle, it captured another ship. On October 14, Commander Murray saw Chincoteague citizens take an oath of loyalty to the United States. Union boats also burned three more Confederate ships later that month.

In December, 4,000 Union soldiers secured the rest of the Eastern Shore of Virginia. This meant the Union now controlled this entire area. The Battle of Cockle Creek was small. But it was important. It removed a Confederate threat and made the Union stronger in the region.