Difference between revisions of "Battle of Aquia Creek"

Revision as of 23:36, May 14, 2015

Battle of Aquia Creek

Began:

May 29, 1861

Ended:

June 1, 1861

Location:

Stafford County, Virginia

Theater:

Eastern Theater

Campaign:

Blockade of the Chesapeake Bay

Outcome:

Inconclusive

Combatants

USS Thomas Freeborn
USS Anacostia
USS Resolute
USS Pawnee

Commanders

James H. Ward
Commander, USN

Daniel Ruggles
Colonel, CSA

Strength

3 U.S. gunboats

Battery garrison

Casualties

10 total (US and CS)

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 |casualties2=10 total (US and CS)
 }}
-The '''Battle of Aquia Creek''' was a minor engagement which lasted May 29-June 1, 1861 in Stafford County, Virginia.  Aware of the construction of fortifications at Aquia Creek to protect the northern terminus of the Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad to the Confederate capitol of Richmond, four Union naval vessels bombarded the batteries near the mouth of Aquia Creek for several hours on May 29, and again four five hours on June 1, without results.  The Confederates, fearing a landing of troops, brought in some reinforcements and constructed two more batteries (one on a bluff; the other at Brent Point), but the landing did not materialize.
-Despite the increase in defenses - including the laying of mines in the nearby waterways - the batteries at Aquia Creek were not threatened for over a year; the garrison there was withdrawn completely by General [[Joseph E. Johnston]] to augment his own forces in preparation for the [[Peninsula Campaign]].
 {{Template:Campaignbox Chesapeake Blockade}}
 {{Template:ACW Battles of 1861}}
 [[Category:American Civil War Battles]]