fort fisher

Assault on Fort Fisher. A Union attempt to take down Fort Fisher and close the Port of Wilmington in December 1864 was an overwhelming failure. Hesitation, poor weather, and unfavorable ocean currents all added to what would be referred to as "Butler's Folly." Northern forces had to regroup and figure out a better method of assault. An amphibious siege was agreed upon by Union Army and Navy leaders. Under the commands of Major General Alfred Terry and Admiral David D. Porter, the Union forces launched their plan on the morning of January 13, 1865. By January 14, Union ships had severed telegraph lines and troops were entrenched on the shores. Confederate commander Major General Robert F. Hoke, who detached from Lee's Army in order to help repel the Union assault.