Mar 14 min read

Battle for Island 10 March 1862

Updated: Mar 19

In the Civil War's second year, the Union and Confederate states vied for control over the Mississippi River. Despite being geographically distanced from the coast, the Union leveraged their City class gunboats to command the river. Island Number 10, a heavily fortified Confederate stronghold in the river's bend, presented a significant challenge. The Union forces, however, displayed strategic brilliance by digging a canal to expose the island's weakness and advancing their gunboats under darkness. Eventually, they successfully severed communications, landed troops, and captured the island, securing control of the Mississippi. This triumphant battle exemplifies how courage, determination, and strategy can overcome formidable odds.

The Battle of Island Number 10 was a pivotal Civil War moment. The Union's victory secured the essential Mississippi River, showcasing their strategic prowess and determination. Their innovative use of City class gunboats and tactics, like digging a canal to bypass defenses, demonstrated adaptability and increasing military capabilities, bolstering Union morale.

Battle for Island 10 March 1862

In these confrontations, the key to eventual Union victory was effective interservice cooperation between the army and navy. Alone against a creative and determined foe, neither service could have achieved the kind of dramatic success they did together. This outcome was all the more remarkable because there was no combined operational command — when army generals and navy flag officers worked together, it was solely a matter of mutual cooperation.

In the second year of the Civil War, a monumental struggle was taking place that would determine the future course of the conflict. The control over the mighty Mississippi River was at stake. The Union States, distanced from the coast and thus at a logistical disadvantage, knew that controlling the Mississippi was crucial to their survival and success. Despite their geographical handicap, the Union possessed a significant tactical advantage - the formidable City class gunboats. These Ironclad, low-profile steamships heralded a new era of warfare, introducing a never-before-seen level of hostility to the battlefield.

However, a formidable obstacle lay ahead. This was Island Number 10, a strategic point located in the heart of the river, right at a sharp bend. The island was a stronghold, heavily fortified with Confederate soldiers. Its heavy guns had a range that far surpassed that of the Union's gunboats. Any attempt by the Union infantry to land on this heavily guarded island would have almost certainly resulted in assured destruction. The odds were stacked against them, and the task seemed insurmountable.

But in the face of adversity, the Union forces rose to the challenge. The attack on Island Number 10 marked the dawn of a new class of amphibious warfare, unrivaled in its audacity and strategic brilliance. The Union Army first undertook the arduous task of digging a canal to open a new front. This bold move exposed a weak point in the island's otherwise impregnable defense. Then, under the cloak of darkness, the City class gunboats began their approach. They risked exposure and gunfire, advancing steadily and resolutely towards the island.

The first important triumph of Union forces against Confederate river forts came at Fort Henry on the Tennessee River on February 6, 1862, when a squadron of armored warships under Flag Officer Andrew H. Foote out-dueled the rebel gunners ashore and compelled the fort’s surrender before army troops under Brig. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant arrived. Ten days later it was the army’s turn to win the laurels as Grant surrounded Fort Donelson on the Cumberland River and dictated terms of “unconditional surrender.”

But at Island Number 10 on the Mississippi River, it was a different story. Here Foote’s gunboats could not take on the heavy shore batteries unassisted, and Maj. Gen. John Pope’s infantry was cut off from the enemy by the river itself. Unless these forces could find a way to work together, the Union advance down the Mississippi would be halted before it fairly began.

The climax of this struggle was a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Union Army. They successfully cut off communications, landed on the island, and against all odds, secured control. This pivotal victory granted them control of the Mississippi River, a success that breathed new life into their cause. The Battle of Island Number 10 stands as a shining beacon of inspiration, demonstrating that even in the face of overwhelming odds, victory is possible with courage, determination, and strategic brilliance.

You’ve heard the saying, “Freedom isn’t free.” And it’s not.

The question is what’s the cost? The answer, 1.3 million. Bought and paid for. Thanks to the 1.3 million veterans that have given their lives protecting freedom. Service men and women, Marines, Sailors, Soldiers and Airmen, the 1.3 million warriors that have died defending this nation.

Many of them are buried in Arlington National Cemetery. A cemetery that covers 624 Acres. Freedom isn’t free and that’s the cost. 1.3 million. 624 acres.

The bigger question is why? Why did they give their lives, what did they give it for? You see, there’s a common bond that’s shared by every veteran, living or not. All branches, it’s the same. The oath of enlistment. A promise to uphold the constitution.

It’s a blank check made out to the American people with a simple promise to defend the freedoms defined in the constitution for an amount up to and including their life.

It’s not about political foreign policies, fighting foreign wars or even being the world's protection force. It’s about something much bigger than that. The purpose of the US military is to protect the constitution, and freedom loving people from tyrants.

It’s a legacy we should preserve and history we should we remember.