Rear Admiral Andrew Foote-- Part 3: Civil War

On June 29, 1861, Foote was promoted to captain.

From 1861 to 1862 he commanded the Mississippi River squadron which he organized and led.  At the time, the Western Flotilla of the U.S. Navy was under the jurisdiction of the Army.

In February 1862, he cooperated with Union General Ulysses S. Grant with the capture of Fort Henry in Tennessee on the Tennessee River which mostly was the action of the Navy.  One hunboat was heavilt damaged.

A few days later Foote engaged the river batteries at Fort Donelson on the Cumberland River.  This was a much stronger fortification and many of his ironclads were damaged, including the flagship, USS St. Louis.  Foote was wounded.

For the actions at the two forts, Foote received the Thanks of Congress.



--Old B-R'er