Battle of Roanoke Island
General Burnside and the Union defeated Colonel Shaw and the Confederate Army for control of Roanoke Island and gave the Union control of the Albemarle Sound. It was considered one of the first major victory for the Union Army. By being in control of the Albemarle Sound it gave the Union Army the opportunity to attack Richmond from the south.
Monument recapping what happened during the battle of Roanoke Island.
Ashby's Harbor where General Burnside landed his Union troops.
On February 7th, 1862 General Ambrose Burnside landed 10,000 Union troops on Roanoke Island via Ashby Harbor. He met Colonel Henry Shaw and about 2,500 Confederate troops. Soon after the battle began the Confederates began to retreat north via the only road on the island.
Soon after the Confederate retreat reinforcements came but it was too late. The Confederate's surrendered all of their men and it gave the Union the victory. It was one of the first major victories in the Union in the south.
With the victory at Roanoke Island it gave the Union control of the North Carolina coast and it water ways. By having control of the Albemarle Sound it gave the Union a geographical advantage because they could possibly stage an attack on Richmond from the south. By claiming Roanoke Island and Grants capture of a fortress it Tennessee it gave the Union hope.
"Battle of Roanoke Island." History.com. A&E Television Networks. Web. 24 May 2015. .
Manteo, North Carolina 27954
Created by Dustin Powell on May 23rd 2015, 10:01:11 pm.
Last updated by Dustin Powell on February 24th 2016, 7:59:25 pm.
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