Battle of Pig Point

Other Names: None

Location: Pig Point, Virginia

Campaign: Blockade of the Chesapeake Bay

Date: June 5, 1861

Principal Commanders: Capt. John Faunce [US]; Capt. Robert B. Pegram [CS]

Forces Engaged: Gunboat crew [US]; Shore battery garrison [CS]

Casualties and losses: None

Result(s): Confederate victory, inconclusive

Brief Description:

An early naval battle of the American Civil War, after Lincoln had extended the Union blockade to include Virginia. On June 5, 1861, the Union gunboat USRC Harriet Lane under Captain John Faunce was ordered to attack Pig Point, but due to shallow water, the shots fell short, and the Union suffered five men wounded before withdrawing. General Butler ordered Captain John Faunce to take the Harriet Lane, one of the boats which had tried to reinforce and resupply Fort Sumter, and attack the Confederate battery at Pig Point on June 5, 1861 in order to ascertain its strength. Faunce attacked the battery but due to shallow water, he had to fire his 30 shots from too great a distance. The Confederates maintained control of Pig Point and operation of the battery until they abandoned Norfolk and Portsmouth, Virginia.