This book was written by William R. Trotter, published in 1989, the narrative is 410 pages and is illustrated with black and white photos and drawings. Ironclads and Columbiads recounts the exciting battles and events that shook the coast of North Carolina during America's bloodiest war. Throughout the Civil War, North Carolina's coast was of great strategic importance to the Confederacy. It's well protected coat line offered a perfect refuge for privateers who sailed forth and captured so many Union merchant vessels in the early days of the war that maritime insurance companies in the North went into a panic, forcing the government to mount an expedition against Cape Hatteras. North Carolina's coastal counties and the state's coastal railroad system were vital to the feeding and resupply to Robert E. Lee's army. Even after the tightening blockade and powerful Federals assaults closed off the ports of Charleston, New Orleans and Mobile, Wilmington continued to provide a haven for blockade runners. That city eventually became the most strategically important location in the entire Confederacy. To subdue Fort Fisher, which stoutly defended Wilmington, the Union was forced to assemble what was then the largest naval and amphibious landing force in American history. This paper back book is in very good, used condition.

Item # AA2041