Today in History: Union Captures Fort Morgan
Today in History–August 23–the Library of Congress features the capture of Fort Morgan, Alabama by the Union navy on this day in 1864. Earlier in the month (August 5), when Admiral David Farragut was warned of mines (referred to as torpedoes) in Mobile Bay, he reportedly replied, “Damn the torpedoes!” and ordered the ship to continue its course. Although the flagship Hartford scraped the mines, none exploded and the rest of the Union fleet was able to follow. The capture of Fort Morgan enabled the Union to cut the South off from its overseas supply routes. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access more primary resources related to David Farragut and the capture of Fort Morgan.
The Union Navy Captured Fort Morgan, Alabama from America’s Library
Reconnoissance of the Mississippi River below Forts Jackson and St. Philip: made previous to the reduction by the U.S. Fleet, under the command of flag officer D.G. Farragut, U.S.N. 1862
Map showing the defenses of the Mississippi below New Orleans and Farragut’s attack 24 April 1862
Books about Admiral David Farragut
David Farragut historical newspaper articles
Admiral Farragut historical newspaper articles
Fort Morgan primary source set
 Map of Mobile Bay |
 Approaches to Mobile, Ala. 1864 |
 Plan of the battle of August 5, 1864 |
 Entrance of Farragut into Mobile Bay |
 Fort Morgan Gallopade |
 Farragut’s Ball |
 Fort Morgan Just After the Surrender |
 Fort Morgan, Alabama. Ruins of Fort |
Fort Morgan, Alabama. Ruins of Fort Looking South-west |
Guided Primary Source Analysis: Admiral Farragut Enters Mobile Bay
More Civil War primary source collections & teaching resources