Battle of Cockpit Point

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Battle of Cockpit Point
Began:

January 3, 1862

Ended:

Same day

Location:

Prince William County, Virginia

Theater:

Eastern Theater

Campaign:

Blockade of the Potomac River

Outcome:

Inconclusive

33 star flag.png
Combatants
Conf Navy Jack.png

USS Anacostia
USS Yankee

Battery garrison

Commanders

Robert H. Wyman
Lieutenant, USN

Samuel G. French
Brigadier General, CSA

Strength
Casualties

None

None

  

After victory at First Manassas, the Confederate army established a defensive line from Centreville along the Occoquan River to the Potomac River. In October, the Confederates constructed batteries at Evansport, Freestone Point, Shipping Point, and Cockpit Point to close the Potomac River to shipping and isolate Washington. By mid-December, the Confederates had 37 heavy guns in position along the river. On January 3, Cockpit Point was shelled by Anacostia and Yankee with neither side gaining an advantage. Union ships approached the point again on March 9 but discovered that the Confederates had abandoned their works and retired closer to Richmond, after effectively sealing off the Potomac River for nearly five months. (NPS summary)

References