August 31st, 1862
W.B. Terry Runs Aground
Present Day Tennessee River
The Tennessee River was supposed to be fairly safe territory for Union shipping and soldiers, but this proved not the case today. A Federal ship W. B. Terry was hauling soldiers, civilian passengers, and coal. She ran aground because she had to much weight on board. A force of Confederates was conveniently nearby and promptly attacked. The soldiers aboard attempted to mount a defense but were overwhelmed.