Mississippi River Squadron facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mississippi River Squadron
Vessels of the Mississippi River Squadron in the Battle of Island Number Ten.
Active	1861 - 1865
Country	United States Union
Branch	United States Navy Union Navy
Type	Naval squadron
Engagements	American Civil War

The Mississippi River Squadron was a group of boats and ships that fought on the rivers of the western United States during the American Civil War. These boats were part of the Union side, which was the North.

This group was first created as part of the Union Army. It was called the Western Gunboat Flotilla or sometimes the Mississippi Flotilla. Later, in October 1862, it became part of the Union Navy. This is when it got its final name, the Mississippi River Squadron.

History of the Squadron

Fighting in the Civil War

The squadron started on May 16, 1861. For over a year, it was controlled by the Union Army. Its first leader was John Rodgers. He was in charge of building and organizing the fleet of boats.

Flag Officer Andrew H. Foote then took over from Rodgers. He convinced the army commander, Major General Henry W. Halleck, to attack Fort Henry. This fort was on the Tennessee River.

Rear Admiral David D. Porter's flagship

Foote's squadron worked with Ulysses S. Grant's army. They captured Fort Henry even before Grant's soldiers were fully in position. Foote also led the squadron in the attack on Fort Donelson.

Later, the squadron joined with Maj. Gen. John Pope's army. Together, they attacked Island No. 10 on the Mississippi River.

Charles H. Davis became the next commander. He helped capture Fort Pillow on the Mississippi. The U. S. Ram Fleet, led by Colonel Charles Ellet, Jr., also joined the squadron. They fought together in the Battle of Memphis.

After Memphis was captured, the squadron moved to the control of the U.S. Navy. This included the Ram Fleet, which became the Mississippi Marine Brigade. Davis helped Grant in his first attempt to capture Vicksburg, though it was not successful at that time.

Then, Rear Admiral David D. Porter took command. He led the squadron in battles at Arkansas Post. He also led them during the successful Vicksburg Campaign, which was a long fight to capture the city of Vicksburg.

The Red River Campaign

Porter also led the squadron during the difficult Red River Campaign in 1864. During this campaign, the river's water level dropped very low. The fleet was almost stuck and lost.

However, Colonel Joseph Bailey used his clever engineering skills. He oversaw the building of Bailey's Dam. This dam helped raise the water level and saved the fleet.

During the Red River Campaign, the Mississippi Squadron had many different types of boats. It included 10 ironclads, 3 monitors, 11 tin-clads, 1 timber-clad, 1 ram, and other support vessels. Here are some of the ships that were part of the squadron:

Command of the squadron then went to Alexander Pennock for a short time. Finally, Samuel P. Lee took over. Lee was in command until the squadron was officially stopped on August 14, 1865.

Leaders of the Squadron

Here is a list of the main commanders of the Mississippi River Squadron:

See also

In Spanish: Escuadra del río Mississippi para niños