Battle of Fort Esperanza facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Fort Esperanza
Part of the Trans-Mississippi Theater of the American Civil War
Date November 27–30, 1863 Location Cedar Bayou and Matagorda Island, Texas Result Union victory
Belligerents
United States (Union)	CSA (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
Cadwallader C. Washburn	William R. Bradfute
Strength
1st Brigade, 1st Division, XIII Corps - Colonel Henry D. Washburn 8th Indiana Infantry 18th Indiana Infantry 33rd Illinois Infantry 99th Illinois Infantry Battery G, 1st Mich. 23rd Iowa Infantry attached from 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, XIII Corps 2nd Brigade, 2nd Division, XIII Corps - Brig. General Thomas E.G. Ransom 34th Iowa Infantry 13th Maine Infantry 15th Maine Infantry Battery F, 1st Mo.	Detachments from: 8th Texas Infantry Regiment 5th Texas Militia
Casualties and losses
1 killed 10 wounded	1 killed 10 captured

The Battle of Fort Esperanza took place in Texas from November 27 to 30, 1863. It was a part of the larger American Civil War. During this battle, Union soldiers aimed to capture Fort Esperanza, a key defense on Matagorda Island. Major General Cadwallader C. Washburn led the Union forces. Colonel William R. Bradfute commanded the smaller Confederate group defending the fort. After a few days of fighting, the Confederate soldiers left the fort. Very few soldiers were hurt on either side during this event.

What Led to the Battle?

The American Civil War was a difficult time for the United States. Both sides, the Union and the Confederacy, fought for control over important areas. After battles at Brownsville and Mustang Island, Union forces moved along the Texas coast. Their goal was to gain control of more territory.

Major General C. C. Washburn led this Union journey. They were heading towards Matagorda Island. On the northern part of this island was Fort Esperanza. This fort was important for defending the coast. Colonel William R. Bradfute was in charge of Fort Esperanza. His team included soldiers from the 8th Texas Infantry Regiment and the 5th Texas Militia. Some local volunteers also helped defend the fort.

The Fight for the Fort

Union Forces Advance

The Union plan to capture Fort Esperanza began with Brigadier General Thomas E. G. Ransom's brigade. On November 23, his soldiers faced challenges crossing Cedar Bayou. There was some minor fighting and poor weather. After crossing, they set up camp. They waited for another Union group, led by Colonel Henry D. Washburn, to join them.

By November 27, General Washburn arrived. He gave orders for Ransom's brigade to move through the middle of Matagorda Island. Colonel Washburn's brigade advanced along the coast. Colonel Washburn's group reached Fort Esperanza first. They met Confederate guards from the 8th Texas Infantry. These guards quickly pulled back into the fort after a short fight.

Confederate Defense and Retreat

Bad weather continued on November 28. This limited the fighting to small skirmishes and occasional cannon fire. Neither side gained much advantage that day. On November 29, with both Union brigades ready, the main attack began. Two Union artillery units started firing cannons at the fort.

Union foot soldiers then pushed the Texas infantry out of their outer trenches. The cannons kept firing accurately at the Confederate defenses. That evening, Colonel Bradfute and his officers held a meeting. They decided it was best to leave the fort. Just after midnight on November 30, the Confederate soldiers acted. They blew up the fort's ammunition storage areas. They also made their cannons unusable. Then, they left the fort.

The loud explosion told the Union forces that the Confederates were leaving. Union soldiers entered the fort soon after. They found that the Confederate troops had already gone. Two Indiana regiments tried to chase the retreating soldiers. They only managed to capture one cannon that had been left behind.

What Happened Next?

Even though much of the fort's equipment was destroyed, the Union mission was successful. General Washburn's forces captured Fort Esperanza. They also found some useful supplies that the Confederates had left behind. The battle had very few casualties. One Confederate soldier was killed, and ten were captured. On the Union side, one soldier was killed, and ten were wounded. This victory helped the Union gain more control along the Texas coast.