Wilmington campaigns facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Wilmington campaigns
Part of the American Civil War
Fort Fisher and Wilmington on the Cape Fear River were the two obstacles to the Union advance into North Carolina.
Date December 7, 1864 – February 22, 1865 Location Eastern North Carolina Result Union victory
Belligerents
United States (Union)	CSA (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
Alfred Terry David D. Porter Benjamin Butler John Schofield	Braxton Bragg William Lamb William H.C. Whiting  † Alfred H. Colquitt
Strength
100,000	95,000
Casualties and losses
1, 971	1,748

The Wilmington campaigns were a series of important battles during the American Civil War. These battles were part of the Union army's plan to capture Wilmington, North Carolina. Wilmington was a very important city for the Confederates. It was their last major port on the Atlantic coast.

To take Wilmington, the Union forces first had to capture Fort Fisher. This strong fort protected the Cape Fear River, which led to Wilmington.

What Happened in the First Campaign?

Union Forces Try to Take Fort Fisher

On December 7, 1864, Union troops began their first attempt to capture Fort Fisher. General Benjamin Butler led these troops. Before the main attack, Admiral David D. Porter sent some ships up the river.

His goal was to capture Rainbow Bluff and a Confederate ship. However, the river had hidden water mines. Two Union escort ships were sunk by these mines. Because of this, the river expedition had to be stopped.

Delays and Reinforcements

Colonel William Lamb was in charge of defending Fort Fisher. The Union had about 6,500 soldiers ready to attack. The Confederates had about 7,000 defenders.

Bad storms caused many delays for the Union attack. The attack did not begin until December 23. During this delay, Confederate General Braxton Bragg was able to send more soldiers to Fort Fisher. This made the fort even stronger.

The Attack and Retreat

On Christmas morning, the Union navy started firing cannons at the fort. Union soldiers began landing on the beach. Brigadier General Adelbert Ames's division was the first to land. They quickly captured a Confederate battery and two groups of reserve soldiers.

After setting up a defense line, General Ames sent a brigade to check the fort. They found that the land side of the fort was not heavily guarded. They were ready to attack, but General Ames stopped them.

General Butler then decided the fort was too strong to capture. Another storm was also approaching. He called off the attack on December 27. General Butler ignored General Grant's orders to surround the fort if the attack failed. The Union troops went back to their ships and sailed away.

What Happened in the Second Campaign?

A New Commander and Another Attack

After the first attempt failed, General Benjamin Butler was removed from command. Major General Alfred Terry was put in charge. He was given the task of trying to take Fort Fisher again.

General Terry chose Admiral Porter to help land the troops. Union Marines landed on the beach and fought their way forward. Soldiers fought very close to each other. The Union forces took the beach and the right side of the fort.

The Fall of Fort Fisher

Then, there was fierce fighting on the left side of the fort. The Confederates were forced to retreat to Fort Buchanan. That fort also surrendered. With Fort Fisher captured, the way up the Cape Fear River to Wilmington was open.

Capturing Wilmington

Next, General John Schofield was given the job of capturing Wilmington. General Bragg had about 6,000 Confederate soldiers defending the city. General Schofield had a much larger force of 12,000 men.

The Union and Confederate armies fought from February 11 to February 22. General Bragg's forces were defeated. He was forced to surrender Wilmington to the Union troops. This marked a major victory for the Union.