Dictionary of Battles / From the Earliest Date to the Present Time

by Thomas Benfield Harbottle

Roanoke Island (American Civil War).

This island, which commanded the entrance to Albemarle Sound, North Carolina, and which was defended by 1,800 Confederates, under General Wise, was attacked February 7, 1862, by three brigades of Federals, under General Burnside, aided by 26 gunboats. On the 8th the Federals landed, overpowered the garrison, and occupied the island, losing 235 killed and wounded. The Confederates lost 91 killed and wounded. Of 7 Confederate gunboats employed in the defence, 5 were captured or destroyed.