Dictionary.net

scene of a naval engagement between the Federal and Confederate fleets, August 5 to 23, 1864. Farragut commanded the National fleet of eighteen vessels, fourteen of these being of wood and four ironclads, the "Tecumseh," "Winnebago," "Manhattan" and "Chickasaw." The Confederate Admiral Buchanan had far fewer vessels, three gunboats, the "Morgan," "Gaines" and "Selma" and the ram "Tennessee." Still he was defended by three strongly garrisoned forts, Gaines, Morgan and Powell, at the harbor's entrance, and the "Tennessee" was deemed a host in itself. Farragut entered the harbor with the gunboat "Brooklyn" leading and the entire fleet firing upon Fort Morgan, whence a lively reply was begun. The "Tecumseh" immediately struck a torpedo and was sunk. The fleet became confused and for some moments was in great danger. But Farragut forged ahead with the flag-ship "Hartford" and was attacked by the "Tennessee." The other Federal vessels quickly destroyed the "Selma" and chased away the "Morgan" and the "Gaines." The "Monongahela" and the "Lackawanna" were struck by the "Tennessee," but the latter was disabled by a broadside at close range from the "Hartford." The other boats closed around her. Her smokestack and steering chains were gone, her crew panicstricken and she soon became unmanageable. She therefore surrendered. The Confederate forts were shelled for several days. Fort Powell was blown up and abandoned. Forts Gaines and Morgan surrendered.