Civil War Ironclads

The vessels shown here were part of the Mississippi Squadron under the command of Admiral David Dixon Porter (1813-1891). The squadron was created on October 1, 1862, by the transfer of command of the Western Flotilla from the army to the navy. Its purpose was to cooperate with Union land forces in combating guerrillas operating along the western rivers, punish Confederate sympathizers, protect transport and supply ships, and prevent the movement of Confederate troops and supplies.