Timberclads in the Civil War

Prolific author Myron J. Smith, Jr., is emeritus library director and professor at Tusculum University, Greeneville, Tennessee.

“thorough research...the first, and what is likely to be the definitive, study of the timberclads. Highly recommended.”—Choice; “provides a vast amount of detail...immensely valuable...impressive...highly recommend it”—North & South; “If it sailed on the brown water of America’s Western rives during the Civil War and flew the Stars and Stripes of the Union Navy, Myron Smith more than likely knows about it”—America’s Civil War; “a comprehensive, well-researched account...a must read”—Nautical Research Journal; “Smith seasons his treatment of operations and engagements by drawing upon first hand accounts, which can be griping, informative, amusing, or even all three, making the narrative much more vivid and helping to give us an excellent look at the river war”—Strategy Page; “fantastic”—The Lone Star; “this very thick and intensively researched book describes admirably the very important role played by those three ships. The author has performed a valuable service in so vibrantly bringing to life this very important factor in the Union Navy’s role in winning the Civil War”—Baird Maritime; “an excellent account of the Civil War on the Mississippi and the other great western rivers...gripping, informative, amusing...vivid”—The NYMAS Review.

• Table of ContentsForeword by B. Franklin Cooling      Preface      List of Abbreviations      1. Rivers and Rebellion, January–April 1861      2. Commander Rodgers Goes West, April–June 1861      3. From Cincinnati into the War Zone, June–August 1861      4. New Men, Hotter War, September 1–October 9, 1861      5. Columbus-Belmont, October 10–November 9, 1861      6. Skirmishing and Fleet Building, November–December 1861      7. Fort Henry: Preparations and Battle, January–February 1862      8. To Florence and Fort Donelson, February 1862      9. Tennessee River–Columbus–Island No. 10, February–March 1862      10. Tennessee River: Shiloh, March–April 1862      11. White River and the C.S.S. Arkansas, June–July 1862      12. An Anniversary, POW Convoys, and the Death of a Timberclad Hero, July–December 1862      13. 1863: Arkansas Post to Helena      14. Peripheral Streams and Red River, 1863–1864      15. Cavalry Versus Timberclads, June 1864      Epilogue: Winding Down, July 1864–August 1865      Chapter Notes      Bibliography      Index