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CSS Alabama vs. USS Kearsarge: The Duel at Cherbourg, 1864

Ernest Powell

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The Legendary Battle that Ended the Confederate Raider's Reign

CSS Alabama And USS Kearsarge Engage In A Fierce Duel At Cherbourg Harbor In 1864. CSS Alabama Vs USS Kearsarge: Cherbourg 1864 (Duel 40)

The CSS Alabama was one of the most successful Confederate commerce raiders of the American Civil War. Under the command of Captain Raphael Semmes, the Alabama sank or captured over 60 Union merchant vessels, causing millions of dollars in damage to the United States economy.

CSS Alabama vs USS Kearsarge: Cherbourg 1864 (Duel Book 40)

by Mark Lardas

4.6 out of 5

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The USS Kearsarge was a screw-propelled sloop-of-war of the United States Navy. Completed in 1861, the Kearsarge was sent to Europe to hunt down the Alabama.

On June 19, 1864, the Alabama and the Kearsarge met in battle off the coast of Cherbourg, France. The battle was a close and hard-fought contest, but in the end, the Kearsarge emerged victorious. The Alabama was sunk, and Semmes and his crew were taken prisoner.

The battle between the Alabama and the Kearsarge was a turning point in the American Civil War. It marked the end of the Alabama's reign as a commerce raider and it gave the United States Navy a much-needed victory.

The Ships

The CSS Alabama was a British-built, side-wheel steamer. She was launched in 1862 and commissioned into the Confederate Navy in August of that year. The Alabama was armed with eight 32-pounder guns and two 20-pounder rifled guns. She had a crew of 150 officers and men.

The USS Kearsarge was a screw-propelled sloop-of-war. She was launched in 1861 and commissioned into the United States Navy in 1862. The Kearsarge was armed with seven 11-inch Dahlgren guns and four 30-pounder Parrott rifles. She had a crew of 163 officers and men.

The Battle

The battle between the Alabama and the Kearsarge began at 10:57 a.m. on June 19, 1864. The two ships exchanged fire at a range of about 1,000 yards. The Alabama's guns were heavier than the Kearsarge's, but the Kearsarge's crew was better trained and more experienced.

The battle raged for over an hour. The Alabama was hit several times, and her crew began to suffer casualties. Semmes was wounded in the leg, but he refused to leave the deck.

At 12:25 p.m., the Alabama's steering gear was damaged. The ship became unmanageable, and Semmes was forced to surrender.

The Aftermath

The sinking of the Alabama was a major victory for the United States Navy. It ended the Alabama's reign as a commerce raider and it gave the Union a much-needed boost in morale.

The Kearsarge was hailed as a hero ship. Her captain, John Winslow, was promoted to rear admiral, and the crew was awarded the Medal of Honor.

The battle between the Alabama and the Kearsarge is still studied today by naval historians. It is considered to be one of the most famous and important naval battles of the American Civil War.

The CSS Alabama vs. USS Kearsarge duel at Cherbourg in 1864 was a pivotal moment in the American Civil War. The Union victory gave the North a much-needed boost in morale and helped to end the war. The battle is still studied today by naval historians and is considered to be one of the most famous and important naval battles of the war.

CSS Alabama vs USS Kearsarge: Cherbourg 1864 (Duel Book 40)

by Mark Lardas

4.6 out of 5