From the February 4, 2021, Chowan (NC) Herald "Week in NC history."
The Battle of Roanoke Island commenced this date, February 7, 1862, Federal ships began bombarding Fort Bartow, part of Confederate defenses on Roanoke Island. One of three earthen forts on the west side of the island, Fort Bartow mounted nine cannons. The other two garrisons on the island were at Fort Huger and Fort Blanchard.
The three forts were designed to protect the mainland of North Carolina from invasion and complement obstructions placed in the channel on that side of the island. Of the three forts, Fort Bartow was the only one to be actively engaged in the action in what became known as the Battle of Roanoke Island.
The first shot of the battle was fired from Bartow's guns and the fort was subsequently bombarded by the Union fleet for seven hours.
The Confederate fleet, under the command of Captain W.F. Lynch, waited to engage the enemy ships on the other side of the obstructions placed on Croatoan Sound.
However, the Confederates, after the sharp engagement, were forced to withdraw for lack of ammunition.
The next day, the Union Army was victorious in the Battle of Roanoke Island, which gave the Federals control of the sound area of North Carolina.
--Old B-Runner
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