CSS Ram Albemarle
Plymouth, Washington County, North Carolina
Marker Inscription
Ram Albemarle. A Confederate ironclad commanded by James W. Cooke, helped recapture Plymouth. Was sunk 600 ft. N., Oct. 27, 1864.
Erected by North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources
The Story
The Confederate ironclad ram Albemarle, commanded by James W. Cooke, helped Confederate forces recapture the river town of Plymouth in the spring of 1864. The powerful vessel dominated the Roanoke River until a daring Union raid sank her; she went down about 600 feet north of here on October 27, 1864. Her loss reopened the region to Union control.
Why it matters
The Albemarle's brief, fearsome career shows how the Confederacy's homemade ironclads could seize command of the sounds and rivers until Union ingenuity ended them.
Own a business near here? Add it to the map.
Related people
- · James W. Cooke
Related events
- · Battle of Plymouth, 1864
- · Sinking of the CSS Albemarle, 1864
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
Union Earthworks at Plymouth
Plymouth, NC
The main line of Union defenses during the Battle of Plymouth ran across the road at this point from April 17 to 20, 1864. Dug earthworks like these, bristling with artillery, were meant to hold the river town against any land approach. They were ultimately overrun when Confederate forces pressed the assault on all sides.
Fort Williams
Plymouth, NC
Fort Williams was the principal Union stronghold at Plymouth, named for General Thomas Williams. As the Confederate assault of April 1864 collapsed the surrounding works, the garrison fell back to this fort, which held out until it too surrendered on April 20. Its capitulation ended the battle and handed the town to Confederate forces.
Hoke's Final Line
Plymouth, NC
On April 20, 1864, the three-day Battle of Plymouth reached its climax as Confederate forces closed in on the Union-held river town near Albemarle Sound. This spot marks the extreme left flank of General Robert F. Hoke's brigade as it formed just before the decisive assault. Hoke's coordinated attack, aided by the ironclad ram CSS Albemarle on the Roanoke River, forced the surrender of the garrison.
Ransom's Assault
Plymouth, NC
During the final Confederate push at the Battle of Plymouth on April 20, 1864, General Matt Ransom's North Carolina brigade formed its line of battle near this spot. Ransom's men were part of the broad assault that overwhelmed the Union defenses guarding the Roanoke River port. Within hours the entire garrison capitulated.