Friday, April 7, 2017

April 7, 1862: Surrender of Island No. 10

APRIL 7TH, 1862:  Island No. 10, described by Brigadier General William W. Mackall, CSA, commanding the island, as "the key of the Mississippi," surrendered to the naval forces of Flag Officer Foote.  besides the heavy cannon and munitions captured, four steamers were taken and the gunboat CSS Grampus was sunk before the surrender.

Capture of Island No. 10 opened the Mississippi River to Union gunboats and transports as far south as Fort Pillow.

Congress tendered Flag Officer Foote a vote of thanks "for his eminent services and gallantry at Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, and Island No. 10, while in command of the naval forces of the United States."

Mobile naval strength had sealed the fate of the Confederacy on the upper Mississippi River, and was knifing into the heart of the South.

These Are Three Major Union Victories, Dooming the Confederacy North of Tennessee.  --Old B-R'er

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