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Today in History: Union Captures Fort Morgan

Farragut's grand march

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

David Farragut image set

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

David G. Farragut to Abraham Lincoln, Wednesday, November 16, 1864 (Reply to Lincoln’s November 6 dispatch)

David Farragut sheet music

Books about Admiral David Farragut

David Farragut historical newspaper articles

Admiral Farragut historical newspaper articles

Fort Morgan primary source set

Map of Mobile Bay
Map of Mobile Bay
Approaches to Mobile, Ala. 1864
Approaches to Mobile, Ala. 1864
Plan of the battle of August 5, 1864
Plan of the battle of August 5, 1864
Entrance of Farragut into Mobile Bay
Entrance of Farragut into Mobile Bay
Fort Morgan Gallopade
Fort Morgan Gallopade
Farragut's Ball
Farragut’s Ball
Fort Morgan Just After the SurrenderFort Morgan Just After the Surrender Fort Morgan, Alabama. Ruins of FortFort Morgan, Alabama. Ruins of Fort

Fort Morgan, Alabama. Ruins of Fort Looking South-west

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