Battle of Spanish Fort facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Spanish Fort
Part of the American Civil War
Date March 27 – April 8, 1865 (1865-04-08) Location Baldwin County, Alabama Result Union victory
Belligerents
United States (Union)	CSA (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
E.R.S. Canby	Randall L. Gibson
Units involved
Army of West Mississippi	Spanish Fort Garrison
Strength
30,000	2000
Casualties and losses
657	744

The Battle of Spanish Fort was an important fight during the American Civil War. It happened from March 27 to April 8, 1865, in Baldwin County, Alabama. This battle was a key part of the Mobile Campaign, which aimed to capture the city of Mobile.

Even after the Union forces won the Battle of Mobile Bay, the city of Mobile was still controlled by the Confederates. Spanish Fort was a very strong defense on the eastern side of Mobile. It included several smaller forts and batteries like Fort Huger, Fort Tracey, Fort McDermott, Fort Alexis, Red Fort, and Old Spanish Fort. These forts were built to protect Mobile from attacks.

The Battle for Spanish Fort

Map of the Spanish Fort Battlefield showing the main areas of fighting.

In early 1865, the Union army started a land attack to take Mobile. Major General E.R.S. Canby led the Union's XIII and XVI corps. They crossed the Fish River and moved along the eastern shore of Mobile Bay. This forced the Confederate soldiers to retreat back into their defenses.

The Union forces then focused on Spanish Fort and another fort called Fort Blakely, which was about five miles north. On March 27, 1865, General Canby's troops met up at Danley's Ferry. They immediately began a siege of Spanish Fort. A siege means surrounding a place and trying to capture it by cutting off supplies and attacking it.

By April 1, the Union army had completely surrounded Spanish Fort. On April 8, they successfully captured it. Most of the Confederate soldiers, led by Brigadier General Randall L. Gibson, managed to escape to Mobile. However, Spanish Fort was no longer a threat to the Union advance.

What Happened Next?

Even after Spanish Fort fell on April 8, Fort Blakely continued to fight. But as early as April 1, it was clear that Spanish Fort would be captured. So, Union forces began moving north to focus on Fort Blakely. Fort Blakely finally fell late on April 9 in the Battle of Fort Blakely.

With both Spanish Fort and Fort Blakely captured, Union troops could enter Mobile easily. The Confederate army in Mobile left the city. Union forces then occupied Mobile on April 12, 1865. This victory was an important step in the final stages of the Civil War.