BATTLEFIELD ASSESSMENT

Plum Point-Fort Pillow

May 10, 1862

Lauderdale

After the defeat of Confederate forces at Island No. 10 the Union naval squadron moved down the Mississippi River to support an attack at Fort Pillow. On the morning on May 10, 1862, the Confederate River Defense Fleet attacked the Union squadron and rammed the Cincinnati and Mound City forcing them into shallow water where they eventually sunk. Unable to pursue due to deeper draft, the Confederate ships then withdrew. Only one Confederate ship (General Earl Van Dorn) avoided being disabled by superior federal firepower. The Union squadron was able to proceed down river and attack the Confederate squadron at the Battle of Memphis the following month. Both Cincinnati and Mound City were later raised and placed back into service.

HISTORICAL THEMES

Controlling Resources

Crucible for Leadership

Guerilla Warfare

Transformation in Warfare

PRESERVATION OPPORTUNITY INDEX

LOW

A rating assigned for each battlefield to indicate relative opportunity and potential for successful site preservation.

SITE DETAILS

County

Lauderdale

Date

May 10, 1862

Preservation Opportunity

LOW

Confederate Units

Confederate River Defense Fleet - Col. M. Jeff Thompson

Union Units

Mississippi Flotilla - Capt. Charles Davis USN

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