Confederate Navy Collection

Union gunboats sunk in Galveston Bay, 1863
Rebel attack on Union gunboats at Galveston, Texas, 1863. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

Battle of Mobile Bay, Civil War, 1864
Farraguts flagship USS " Hartford" colliding with the ironclad CSS " Tennessee" to secure Mobile Bay, 1864. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

EVCW2A-00045
Frigate " Merrimac" before and after conversion into an iron-clad Confederate warship. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th century illustration

The Monitor and Merrimac, 9th March, 1862, pub. 1886 (colour litho)
3090274 The Monitor and Merrimac, 9th March, 1862, pub.1886 (colour litho) by Davidson, Julian Oliver (1853-94) (after); Private Collection; The Stapleton Collection; American, out of copyright

Naval Engagement between the Kearsage and the Alabama, 1864 (colour lithograph)
3239902 Naval Engagement between the Kearsage and the Alabama, 1864 (colour lithograph) by Lebreton, Louis (1818-66); Private Collection; (add.info)

The Confederate sloop-of-war Sumter capturing two Federal merchantmen off Gibraltar (coloured engraving)
728777 The Confederate sloop-of-war Sumter capturing two Federal merchantmen off Gibraltar (coloured engraving) by English School

The Monitor set in danger, or, Alls Well that Ends Well, c
AQS257111 The Monitor set in danger, or, Alls Well that Ends Well, c.1862 (litho) by American School, (19th century); American Antiquarian Society, Worcester, Massachusetts

The Confederate Screw-Steamer Rappahannock lying at Calais Pier (engraving)
1102959 The Confederate Screw-Steamer Rappahannock lying at Calais Pier (engraving) by Weedon, Edwin (1819-79); Private Collection; (add.info)

Scenes on Board the Alabama (engraving)
1102782 Scenes on Board the Alabama (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Scenes on Board the Alabama)

Interieur de la batterie du Merrimac, pendant le combat avec le Monitor
3085973 Interieur de la batterie du Merrimac, pendant le combat avec le Monitor, published 1862-1865 (wood engraving) by French School

EVCW2A-00140
Confederate ironclad " Merrimac, " from a sketch made the day before the battle with Union " Monitor, " 1862. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th century illustration

CSS Sumter at New Orleans, 1861
Confederate cruiser " Sumter" leaving New Orleans, June 1861. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

Chart of the cruise of the CSS Alabama - Scanned 1886 Map

EVCW2A-00137
" Merrimac, " a Confederate ironclad ship, rams the USS " Cumberland" during the American Civil War, 1862. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th century illustration

EVCW2A-00138
Escape of some of the crew of the USS " Congress" after attack by the Confederate ironclad " Merrimac." Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th century illustration

EVCW2A-00139
Arrival of the Union ironclad " Monitor" at Hampton Roads, Virginia, before battle with the Confederate " Merrimac, " 1862. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th century illustration

EVCW2A-00141
Ironclad " Merrimac, " cheered by the Confederate battery on Craney Island, embarking to attack the Union fleet, 1862. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th century illustration

Ironclad Merrimac harrassing Unon shipping, Civil War
Confederate Ironclad " Merrimac" (CSS " Virginia" ) driving the USS " Congress" from anchorage, Civil War. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th-century illustration

EVCW2A-00110
Surrender of the Confederate ironclad " Tennessee, " Battle of Mobile Bay, 1864. Hand-colored woodcut of a 19th century illustration

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"The Mighty Confederate Navy: A Legacy of Triumphs and Challenges" The Confederate Navy, though outnumbered and outgunned by the Union forces, left an indelible mark on American naval history. In 1863, in a daring display of their prowess, Confederate gunboats sank several Union vessels in Galveston Bay. This victory showcased the determination and resourcefulness of the Southern navy. One year later, during the Battle of Mobile Bay in 1864, the Confederates faced their greatest challenge yet. The clash between Union and Confederate ships was fierce, with both sides displaying unwavering courage. Despite ultimately losing this battle to Admiral Farragut's fleet, it highlighted the resilience and bravery of those who served under the Confederate flag. Iconic images from this era capture pivotal moments that defined naval warfare during the Civil War. One such image is "The Monitor and Merrimac, " depicting their historic encounter on March 9th, 1862. Published in 1886 as a colorful lithograph, it immortalizes these ironclad warships locked in combat. Another captivating artwork is "Naval Engagement between Kearsage and Alabama. " This vibrant lithograph portrays a thrilling duel between two formidable vessels off Cherbourg Harbor in France during 1864. It symbolizes not only technological advancements but also showcases how Confederate ships posed significant challenges to Union maritime dominance. The Confederacy's success extended beyond battles at sea; privateers like the sloop-of-war Sumter captured Federal merchantmen off Gibraltar—an audacious feat depicted vividly through colored engravings. These actions demonstrated that even without an extensive fleet or resources comparable to their adversaries', Southern sailors could disrupt enemy commerce effectively. However, life aboard these vessels was not all glory; hardships were ever-present for those serving onboard Confederate ships. Engravings like "Scenes on Board Alabama" provide glimpses into daily life—camaraderie, hardships, and the bonds formed amidst the chaos of war.