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Civil War in Hampton Roads : 1861

-- 1861

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When Virginia left the Union in April 1861, Northern and Southern leaders alike recognized the Peninsula as an extremely strategic location. It was one of the major approaches to the Confederate capital at Richmond. The bountiful yet strategic waterways, fertile farm fields and quiet little towns along this path to Richmond would immediately become the scene of some of the Civil War's greatest events. Soon after Virginia's secession, Brigadier General Benjamin F. Butler took command of Fort Monroe. This moat-encircled masonry bastion was the only fort in the Upper South not to fall into Confederate hands when the war erupted. Virtually overnight, Fort Monroe became a major base for Army and Federal Fleet operations. Perhaps more important than Butler's quick ability to station troops at Newport News Point to block Confederate use of the James River, was his decision to consider slaves escaping into Union lines as "Contraband of War." It became one of the first steps toward making the Civil War a war to end slavery.

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Summary Note

When Virginia left the Union in April 1861, Northern and Southern leaders alike recognized the Peninsula as an extremely strategic location. It was one of the major approaches to the Confederate capital at Richmond. The bountiful yet strategic waterways, fertile farm fields and quiet little towns along this path to Richmond would immediately become the scene of some of the Civil War's greatest events. Soon after Virginia's secession, Brigadier General Benjamin F. Butler took command of Fort Monroe. This moat-encircled masonry bastion was the only fort in the Upper South not to fall into Confederate hands when the war erupted. Virtually overnight, Fort Monroe became a major base for Army and Federal Fleet operations. Perhaps more important than Butler's quick ability to station troops at Newport News Point to block Confederate use of the James River, was his decision to consider slaves escaping into Union lines as "Contraband of War." It became one of the first steps toward making the Civil War a war to end slavery.

Content Note

Virginia leaves the Union, Warwick Court House, April 17 -- Gosport Navy Yard burned, April 20 -- Federals reinforce Fort Monroe, April 21-May 1 -- First shots fired in defense of Virginia, May 3 -- Union occupies Clark Farm the Farmhouse, Willow Dell -- Ben Butler assumes command at Fort Monroe, May 21 -- Contraband of War decision, May 24 -- American Missionary Association establishes schools -- Occupation of Newport News, May 27 -- John Bankhead Magruder assumes Confederate command on the Peninsula -- Butler's Presidential Aspirations -- Sawyer Gun added to the Rip Raps -- Confederates re-enforce position at Big Bethel, June 8 and 9 -- Battle of Big Bethel, June 10 -- Aftermath of Big Bethel, skirmishes -- Jack La Mountain's balloon launching, July 30-Aug 6 -- Magruder's troops move against Union positions on the peninsula, August 1-6 -- Burning of Hampton, August 7 -- Major General John Ellis Wool assumes command of Fort Monroe, August 15 -- Union capture of Hatteras Inlet, August 29 -- Expedition from Fort Monroe captures Port Royal Sound, Nov 3 -- Expedition from Fort Monroe captures Roanoke Island and Elizabeth City, N.C., Feb 17, 1862 -- Summary.