Category Archives: Naval Matters

Spirit in St. Louis

Posted on July 4, 2024 by SUMPTER

July 4, 1874 was a big day in the St. Louis area. People celebrated the official opening of a new bridge that connected Missouri and Illinois. The Eads Bridge was the first bridge to span the Mississippi River after its … Continue reading →

Posted in 150 Years Ago This Week, Naval Matters, Technology | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

A death on Kearsarge Avenue

Posted on October 11, 2023 by SUMPTER

For two years the CSS Alabama wreaked havoc with Union shipping. That stopped on June 19, 1864 when the USS Kearsarge sunk the rebel commerce raider off the coast of France. John Winslow, the Kearsarge’s commander, died at his home … Continue reading →

Posted in 150 Years Ago, Naval Matters, Veterans | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

long career, short retirement

Posted on March 22, 2020 by SUMPTER

When the recently-launched (January) USS Richmond departed for the Mediterranean on October 13, 1860, its namesake was the capital of one of the United States, albeit one of the original thirteen – Virginia, the Old Dominion. When the ship returned … Continue reading →

Posted in 100 Years Ago, 150 Years Ago, Naval Matters | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

still knitting

Posted on January 15, 2018 by admin

In its January 20, 1918 Picture Section The New-York Times included a photo of a former supporter of the Confederacy. The paper seemed to view Sarah Eggleston with some admiration as she knitted sock after sock for America’s British allies. … Continue reading →

Posted in 100 Years Ago, Confederate States of America, Naval Matters | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

last rebel flag struck

Posted on November 6, 2015 by SUMPTER

On November 5, 1865 the CSS Shenandoah docked at Liverpool in England. 150 years ago today: Lieutenant James I. Waddell surrenders the CSS Shenandoah to British authorities. His is the final Confederate flag struck. After a few days in confinement, … Continue reading →

Posted in 150 Years Ago This Week, Aftermath, Naval Matters, Postbellum Society | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

tech times

Posted on July 23, 2015 by SUMPTER

150 years ago today The New-York Times headlined some remarkable technology. The world’s largest ironclad was launched three months after the Civil War ended, and some people imagined trains running up in the air over Broadway. The USS Dunderberg was … Continue reading →

Posted in 150 Years Ago This Week, Aftermath, Naval Matters, Postbellum Society | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

“the disruption of a great Government”

Posted on April 2, 2015 by SUMPTER

“and the ruin of an entire people” 150 years ago today the Union army attacked the outnumbered Army of Northern Virginia along the Petersburg-Richmond front. The rebel army retreated and the rebel government had to evacuate its capital. And Raphael … Continue reading →

Posted in 150 Years Ago This Week, Confederate States of America, Military Matters, Naval Matters, Siege of Petersburg | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

James River battle

Posted on January 24, 2015 by SUMPTER

In January 1865 the Confederate navy on the James River attempted to attack and destroy the Federal supply depot at City Point in order to help lift the siege of Richmond and Petersburg. The Confederate fleet was stopped at the … Continue reading →

Posted in 150 Years Ago This Week, Naval Matters, Siege of Petersburg | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

American intrepidity

Posted on January 20, 2015 by admin

and pertinacity Here are some examples of Northern newspaper reaction to the Union capture of Fort Fisher. A local paper in upstate New York thought the price was way too high if the port of Wilmington was not totally sealed … Continue reading →

Posted in 150 Years Ago This Week, Military Matters, Naval Matters | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

“The Rebels fought like fiends”

Posted on January 17, 2015 by SUMPTER

John Arnett, a young man from Seneca Falls, New York serving in the U.S. Navy during the Civil War, has already had some notable experiences. His ship the Westfield was blown up on New Year’s Day 1863 during the Battle … Continue reading →

Posted in 150 Years Ago This Week, Military Matters, Naval Matters | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment