River War: The Battle of Memphis

US Naval History Podcast

In this episode, I dive into the dramatic Battle of Memphis and its prelude, a crucial moment in the struggle for control of the Mississippi River during the Civil War. Three unusual fleets - two Union and one Confederate - converged on Memphis in June 1862.

We examine the desperate improvisation of the Confederate River Defense Fleet, the Union's evolving Western Flotilla, and the controversial addition of Charles Elliott's civilian-built ram fleet. Get ready for a blow-by-blow account of river warfare, complete with surprise attacks, chaotic melees, and spectators watching from the bluffs.

This is the story of how the Union secured control of the upper Mississippi, opening the way to Vicksburg. It's a tale of innovative tactics, clashing personalities, and a battle that showcased the rapidly evolving nature of naval warfare - where ironclads, rams, and cotton-clads clashed in a way never seen before or since.

See the maps and transcript for this episode:

www.usnavalhistory.com/the-battle-of-memphis/

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