A fleet of three Union ships led the USS Mohican captured two Confederate batteries guarding Jekyll Island, Georgia, this date in 1862. A Marine detachment led by Lt. Henry Miller landed and hoisted the flag.
The battery was established in 1861 and consisted of one 42-pdr. and four 32 pdrs en barbette, each with 60 rounds.
In February, 1862, General Robert E. Lee, had requested that the batteries be dismantles since the island's inhabitants had all moved inland. So, by the time the Union Navy arrived, the battery was abandoned. Today, there is nothing left of the battery, but a historic marker is on the spot.
For a short history of the USS Mohican, see December 19, 2008.
From Jekyll Island Blog.
Just Another Little-Known Engagement. Old B-Runner
The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.
