US Navy Patrols on the St. Johns River, Florida

The take-over of the Confederate battery on St. Johns Bluff opened the St. Johns River to US Navy forces to conduct patrols up the river. ...

St. Johns Bluff Part III - Taking the Battery

Sketch of the configuration of the Confederate Battery on St. Johns Bluff following capture. From the "Official Records of the Union an...

The U.S. Navy's Newest Weapon-USS New Ironsides

In late August 1862, the Philadelphia Inquirer ran the above headline and sketch of the U.S. Navy's newest ironclad that just left the ...

CSS Florida's Mad Dash into Mobile

To say Confederate Lieutenant John Newland Maffitt had a tough decision to make would be an understatement.  After the  Florida's  relea...

Naval Engagement at St. Johns Bluff - Part II

USS Paul Jones (From Naval History and Heritage Command archives) Reports of the firing on the gunboats USS Uncas and Patroon on 11 Septemb...

Rear Admiral Wilkes and his Magical Flying Squadron

Steam sloop USS Wachusett In mid-1862, Secretary of the Navy Gideon Welles had a serious problem on his hands.  Intelligence indicated that ...

Naval Engagement at St. Johns Bluff - Part I

Harper's Weekly drawing of the Confederate Battery at St. Johns Bluff (Source: Florida Dept. of State Archives) In prior posts, I highli...

News and Events: Week of 2 September 2012

Ah, yes.  It's that time of year again.  The slight chill in the air.  Leaves falling on the ground.  Children playing in school yards a...