Today in History:

Sewell's Point

Battle Name: Sewell’s Point
Other Names: None
State: Virginia
Location: Norfolk City
Campaign: Blockade of the Chesapeake Bay (May-June 1861)
Dates: May 18-19, 1861
Principal Commanders: Lt. D.L. Braine U.S.N. [US]; Brig. Gen. Walter Gwynn and Capt. Peyton Colquitt [CS]
Forces Engaged: Two gunboats [US]; battery garrison [CS]
Estimated Casualties: 10 total 10 total 10 total
Description: Two Union gunboats, including USS Monticello, dueled with Confederate batteries on Sewell’s Point in an attempt to enforce the blockade of Hampton Roads. The two sides did each other little harm.
Results: Inconclusive

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