CSS Alabama Historical Background Gallery

• Historical Background
• Methodology
• Findings
• Credits and Bibliography
• About

• 
• Introduction
• Building the CSS Alabama
• Union Spy Report
• Captain Raphael Semmes
• The Light of a Burning Ship
• Cruise of the CSS Alabama
• Semmes and His Crew
• Capture on the High Seas
• "Til Death We Will Defend Her"
• The USS Kearsarge
• The Last Battle
• Slipping Beneath the Waves

On June 19, the CSS Alabama set sail to meet the USS Kearsarge and begin what would be her last battle. (Painting of the battle by Tom W.Freeman)

The Last Battle

The USS Kearsarge was an ironclad vessel with the extra protection of chain cables, and this advantage quickly turned the battle in her favor. The poor quality of the CSS Alabama's powder and shells prevented her from seriously damaging her opponent. With a straight shot to CSS Alabama's waterline, the USS Kearsarge sank the Confederate raider. The battle lasted only about an hour. The USS Kearsarge rescued many members of the crew, while Captain Semmes and forty-one others were picked up by the British yacht Deerhound and taken to safety in England.