Storm over Carolina: The Confederate Navy's Struggle for Eastern North Carolina

The struggle for control of the eastern waters of North Carolina during the War Between the States was a bitter, painful, and sometimes humiliating one for the Confederate navy. No better example exists of the classic adage, "Too little, too late." Burdened by the lack of adequate warships, construction facilities, and even ammunition, nevertheless the South's naval arm fought bravely and recklessly to stem the tide of the Federal invasion of North Carolina from the sea.

Storm Over Carolina is the account of the Southern navy's struggle in North Carolina waters. It is a saga of crushing defeats interspersed with moments of brilliant victories. It is also the story of dogged determination and incredible perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds.

For most of the war, the navigable portions of the Roanoke, Tar, Neuse, Chowan, and Pasquotank rivers were occupied by Federal forces. The Albemarle and Pamlico sounds, as well as most of the coastal towns and counties, were also under Union control. With the building of the river ironclads, the Confederate navy at last could strike a telling blow against the invaders, but they were slowly overtaken by events elsewhere. With the war grinding to a close, the last Confederate vessel in North Carolina waters was destroyed. William T. Sherman was approaching from the south, Wilmington was lost, and the Confederacy reeled as if from a mortal blow. For the Confederate navy, and even more so for the besieged citizens of eastern North Carolina, thse were stormy days indeed. Storm Over Carolina describes their ordeal.