USS Alfred Robb (1860) - Capturing Alfred Robb On The Tennessee River

Capturing Alfred Robb On The Tennessee River

Reconnaissance probes up the Tennessee River by Federal gunboats had convinced leaders of the Union Navy in the area that Southern forces had destroyed this vessel after the fall of Fort Henry, lest she fall into Northern hands. Nevertheless, Alfred Robb remained safe and active until Lieutenant William Gwin — who commanded the side-wheel gunboat Tyler — seized her at Florence, Alabama on 21 April 1862. This capture and the burning of the steamer Dunbar in nearby Cypress Creek at about the same time cleared the Tennessee River of the last Confederate vessels afloat, giving Union warships complete control of the river.