Based on exhaustive primary-source research, this is the first full history - from a naval perspective - of the fort on North Carolina's Cape Fear River and its little-known significance as both the Achilles' heel of the Union blockade and the lifeline of the Confederacy challenges many hidebound perceptions. Robinson vigorously disputes traditional explanations for the Union's inaction and the sacking of Adm. Samuel Lee with often embarrassing new findings. In a minute-by-minute description of the heaviest naval bombardment and greatest amphibious assault the world had ever seen, he also offers new evidence that vindicates the ill-equipped and poorly trained sailors and marines who for more than 130 years have been unjustly blamed for the failure of their assault across a mile of open beach.