After the surrenders of Forts Henry and Donelson in February 1862, Confederate Gens. Leonidas Polk and John P. McCown strengthened Island No. 10 with fortifications, gun crews, heavy artillery, and ammunition. Strategically located at the upper part of a double curve of the Mississippi River, the fortified island posed a major obstacle to the Union task force heading south. After shelling the Confederates out of their fortifications in nearby New Madrid, Missouri, Union Gen. John Pope turned his attention to Island No.10 in March. Flag Officer Andrew H. Foote's flotilla, with 95 cannons aboard, was unable to pass the stronghold. After an unsuccessful engagement on March 17 between three of his gunboats and Confederate Capt. Edward W. Rucker's supporting battery on the Tennessee shore opposite the island, Foote refused to try again.
