Sad events these 144 years ago by the North Carolina coast as Fort Fisher fell after a huge bombardment and a combined attack by Union soldiers, sailors and marines.
A total of 51 sailors, soldiers and marines were awarded Medals of Honor for the actions this day. You can see a complete list in the Wikipedia entry for the Second Battle of Fort Fisher (as it is called).
Later tonight, a group of New York soldiers found a spot to rest on the sand and grass above the fort's magazine. About dawn, two drunked US sailors with torches stumble into the magazine, causing an explosion that resulted in the killing or wounding of 104, according to one source. Another claimed 200 from both sides.
Not counting this explosion, of the attacking 10,000 Union force, there were 1,338 casualties. Of the 1500 Confederates, 500 were killed or wounded and the rest captured.
EVENTS HAPPENING RIGHT NOW BETWEEN 11:30 AND 1 PM
By noon, the fleet had destroyed all but two 8-inch Columbiads along the land face of the fort.
Federal troops of Adelbert Ames' division, about 4,200 strong, move into position north of the fort. Curtis' brigade is near Battery Holland, while Galusha Pennypacker and Louis Bell's are near Craig's Landing. Gen. Alfred Terry, in over-all charge, establishes a command post at Battery Holland.
Portions of Hagood's Confederate 11th and 25th SC disembark at Battery Buchanan and make a force march under heavy fire from the fleet to the fort.
Porter's 2,261 sailors and marines come ashore.
At 3:25 PM, the Naval bombardment suddenly ends. The naval contingent, under Fleet Captain K.R. Reese attacks without coordinating with the Army. At the same time, Gen. Curtis gives the order for his troops to commence their attack.
See http://www.nchistoricsites.org/fisher/battle-2.htm for an hour-by-hour account.
And the Rest, As They Say, Is History. --Old B-Runner
The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.
