Combat· American Civil War
Eastern Theater Operations
A grouping of the Marine actions in and around Virginia and Maryland, the cockpit of the war in the East.
The category gathers a varied record: the disastrous fight at Bull Run, where the Corps' battalion was routed; the defense of Drewry's Bluff on the James, where Corporal Mackie won the first Marine Medal of Honor; the destruction and later reoccupation of the Gosport Navy Yard at Norfolk; the bombardment of Sewell's Point that preceded Norfolk's surrender; the defense of the Gunpowder River railroad bridge against Confederate cavalry; and the guard mounted over the Lincoln assassination conspirators at the war's close. Through these the Marines served both ashore, alongside the Army, and afloat with the Potomac Flotilla. The Eastern theater saw the Corps in its full range of Civil War duties, from the battle line to riverine patrol to the security of prisoners of state.
Engagements in this conflict (6) Podcast episodes on American Civil War
Record no. 392