Naval battles of the American Civil War were a common occurrence just as they are with many wars. The naval engagements of the American Civil War though were different in the sense that they dramatically altered the foundations of naval warfare. Although not invented as a result of the war, the use of ironclads, submarines warfare, and the introduction of newer and more powerful naval artillery ushered in a new era of war at sea. On June 22, 1865, the Confederate raider CSS Shenandoah fired last shot of the Civil War in the Bering Strait; more than two months after Lee's surrender.
American Civil War naval battles
- Battle of Sewell's Point (May 18-19, 1861)
- Battle of Aquia Creek (May 29 - June 1, 1861)
- Battle of Port Royal (November 7, 1861)
- Battle of Cockpit Point (January 3, 1862)
- Battle of Hampton Roads (March 8, 1862 – March 9, 1862)
- Battle of Forts Jackson and St. Philip (April 16-28, 1862)
- Battle of Island Number Ten (February 28 - April 8, 1862)
- Battle of Fort Pillow (April 12, 1864)
- Battle of Drewry's Bluff (May 15, 1862)
- Battle of Memphis (June 6, 1862)
- Battle of Tampa (June 30–July 1, 1862)
- Second Battle of Sabine Pass (September 8, 1863)
- Battle of Fort Hindman (January 9 – January 11, 1863)
- Battle of Mobile Bay (August 2-23, 1864)
- The Union blockade, part of the Anaconda Plan
