When I started researching this battle I had no idea of it’s importance not to mention the key players in the battle. I honestly knew little beyond the Union won! So let me give you a brief history lesson. A northern born boy enters the southern navy at an early age, almost the same time a southern boy enters the northern navy. The two boys rise in ranks and grow in valor over almost 50 years each.
The meet in battle off the coast of Alabama these great warriors, in an event that will help to determine the future of our nation.
The Union Navy is coming in from the south through the Gulf of Mexico. A fleet of wooden ships and a handful of ironclad steam ships led by David Farragut. The Confederate Navy led by Buchanan had a well armed Fort on each side of the entrance of Mobile Bay along with a torpedo (mine) laced net narrowing the entrance of the bay. With guns aimed at Farragut and his forces Fort Gaines on the West and the larger Fort Morgan on the East of the Bay it seemed The Union forces had no chance to make their way through the confederate line of Fort cannons, torpedoes, ships and its own iron clad gun ships.
Farragut was determined to get his ships through. He lashed the wooden ships together allowing the larger stronger ships to take the heavier hits
from the larger weapons and allowing the smaller or damaged ships to be pulled along with them. With a couple of nervous halts by his generals Farragut finally called from where he was lashed to the rigging of one of his strongest ships, ” Damn the torpedoes Full Steam Ahead!” While the Union did not come out unscathed they still ultimately came out victorious. The loss of one of their prized ironsides that led the battle to a torpedo (mine) was truly a dramatic moment. Buchanan also a force in his own right chasing the Union with his under armed fleet. He was not ready to give up the battle but was injured when his ship was hit. In one moment the to lead ships were so close tone another that the only bayonet injury in a navy battle was able to be inflicted. The confederate army surrendered after Buchanan’s injuries left him with a broken leg.
This Anniversary Celebration is sure to be a do not miss event. A three day event including live battles and a fireworks show on Saturday night. Be sure to book you room soon as we are running out quickly for this event. We have rentals closest to the Fort and all of the activities, be sure to book soon! For a more detailed schedule see this website set up for this event! https://fortmorgan.org/150th/
Announced schedule for the events:
Naval Battle
Saturday, August 2, 10am
Artillery Firing
Friday, August 1, 6:30pm, Water Battery
Saturday, August 2, Noon-4p, Siege
Sunday, August 3, 10am-1pm, Siege
Civil War Music
Friday, August 1, 7pm, Bobby Horton Performs after Artillery Firing
Siege of Fort Morgan
Saturday, August 2, Noon-4pm, with Infantry and Artillery Firing
Sunday, August 3, 10am-1pm, with Infantry and Artillery Firing
Confederate Sortie
Saturday, August 2, during the siege
Grand Bombardment
Saturday, August 2, 8-9pm, Nighttime event with artillery and aerial pyrotechnic explosions
Surrender Ceremony
Sunday, August 3, 1-2pm, Ceremony to include Salute to the Colors
Naval Exhibits
