The Big Day Arrives for Fort Fisher-- Part 2

Continuing with today's events according to the Fort Fisher North Carolina Historic Sites website.


2 PM

General Terry making final preparations for the attack.

Sharpshooters from the 13th Indiana, armed with Spencer repeating rifles, sent forward to provide fire support for Curtis's advance line of skirmishers who are now 175 yards from the western salient of the fort.

Curtis's brigade is another 125 yards behind them. Pennypacker and Bells brigades fall in behind Battery Holland.

2:30 PM

Hagood's men arrive at the fort. Of the 1000 Bragg sent, only 350 made it ashore and to the fort. Confederate defenders now number 1,900.

3:25 PM

Flagship Malvern is first, then the rest of the fleet release an ear-splitting blast from their steam whistles, signalling the beginning of the attack. Naval bombardment subsides along the land front of the fort.

Confederate Col. Lamb begins deploying troops, sending 250 to the western salient and 500 to the Northeast Bastion. Hagood's men held in reserve to support the troops at the western salient if needed.

The Fighting Begins!! --Old B-Runner