Drawing of Union gunboats and mortar boats bombarding Island No. 10 in the Mississippi River during the New Madrid-Island No. 10 Campaign, February 28 – April 8, 1862.

Despite Ulysses S. Grant’s success in opening the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers in February 1862, the Mississippi still remained closed to Union river traffic. Confederate fortifications blocked the river at New Madrid, Missouri and Island No. 10.

Union Maj. Gen. John Pope and his Army of the Mississippi were given the task of capturing both sites. Much to the surprise of the Confederates, Pope’s men managed to haul heavy siege guns within range of New Madrid, forcing the Confederates to evacuate on March 14. Pope next turned his attention to Island No. 10.

On April 6 and 7, the gunboats Carondelet and Pittsburg ran past Island No. 10, silenced the Confederate batteries on the Tennessee shore, and allowed Pope to ferry his men across the river below the fort. On April 8, the garrison of Island No. 10 surrendered, opening the middle Mississippi River to the Federals.

Engraving by Unknown Artist.

Image Courtesy Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; WICR 30850