Other Names: None Battle of Plymouth North Carolina

Location: Washington County

Campaign: Operations against Plymouth (April-May 1864)

Date(s): April 17-20, 1864

Principal Commanders: Col. Henry W. Wessells [US]; Maj. Gen. R. F. Hoke [CS]

Forces Engaged: Plymouth Garrison (4 infantry and artillery units) [US]; Hoke’s Division [CS]

Estimated Casualties: 2,834 total

Description: In a combined operation with the CSS ram Albemarle (aka CSS Albemarle), Confederate forces under Maj. Gen. R. F. Hoke, attacked the Federal garrison at Plymouth on April 17. On April 19, the ram appeared in the river, sinking the Smithfield, damaging the Miami, and driving off the other Union ships supporting the Plymouth garrison. Confederate forces captured Fort Comfort, driving defenders into Fort Williams. On the 20th, the garrison surrendered. Securing North Carolina's coast had been a strategic objective in Gen. Winfield Scott's Anaconda Plan.

Result(s): Confederate victory