Burnside's North Carolina Expedition Sets Out

Roanoke Island Positions

One hundred and fifty years ago today a Federal expedition set out for Roanoke Island on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. After General Butler captured Forts Hatteras and Clark in August, McClellan convinced Lincoln to authorize an expedition to invade North Carolina from the sea. General Ambrose Burnside was chosen as commander. He recruited his own regiments from the Northern coastal states, which were called the Coast Division. He set out 150 years ago today to join with the Northern forces off North Carolina to prepare to attack Roanoke Island.