Civil War

This Week in the Civil War

00000174-b11b-ddc3-a1fc-bfdbb1a20000The Schreiner University Department of History is honoring the sesquicentennial of the American Civil War with a series of short vignettes focusing on events from 1861 through 1865. The Civil War was the most destructive conflict in American history, but it was also one of our most defining moments as a people and as a nation. Let us know what you think about "This Week in the Civil War." E-mail your comments to Dr. John Huddleston at jhuddles@schreiner.edu.Airs: Weekdays at 5:19 a.m., 8:19 a.m., 4:19 p.m. on KTXI and 4:49 a.m., 9:29 p.m. on KSTX.

This Week in the Civil War - 482

Texas Public Radio | By Texas Public Radio

Published January 11, 2013 at 3:18 PM CST

On January 11, 1863, the Confederate vessel Alabama squared off against the Union’s Hatterasa* in the vicinity of the Galveston Lighthouse. The Hatteras had initially given chase and overtaken the Confederate raider.

When Union Captain Homer Blake demanded that the Alabama’s crew identify themselves, they instead opened fire. The thirteen minute exchange of cannon fire ended with the Hatteras sinking, and with most of its crew taken prisoner.

Built in Great Britain in 1862, the Alabama wreaked havoc on Union commerce for two years, never docking at a Confederate port. On June 19, 1864, the Alabama was cornered by the Union sloop-of-war Kearsage after she had docked in France for repairs. Attempting to fight its way out, the Alabama finally met its end.