The Timberclads in the Civil War: The Lexington, Conestoga and Tyler on the Western Waters

by Myron J. Smith Jr.

Overview

In the most detailed history ever of Union warships on the western waters of the Civil War, the author recounts the exploits of the timberclad ships Lexington, Tyler, and Conestoga. Converted to warships from commercial steamboats at the beginning of the conflict, the three formed the core of the North's Western Flotilla, later the Mississippi Squadron. The book focuses on the activities of these wooden warriors while providing context for the greater war, including accounts of their famous commanders, their roles in both large and small battles, ship-to-ship combat, and support for the armies of Gen. U.S. Grant and Gen. William T. Sherman.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780786477210
Publisher:	McFarland & Company, Incorporated Publishers
Publication date:	05/28/2013
Pages:	560
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 1.40(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

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

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Foreword 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     

Editorial Reviews

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.

From the Publisher

a comprehensive, well-researched account...a must read

Nautical Research Journal

"thorough research...the first, and what is likely to be the definitive, study of the timberclads. Highly recommended."

Choice

fantastic

The Lone Star

provides a vast amount of detail...immensely valuable...impressive...highly recommend it

North & South