Fire and Sand: Marines at Fort Fisher

This episode covers the final months of the Civil War, focusing on the Marine Corps' role at Fort Fisher. It was the last major Confederate stronghold on the coast, and its fall marked the beginning of the end for the South. Marines were tasked with supporting a large-scale amphibious assault, but confusion, poor communication, and leadership breakdowns turned the operation into a disaster. After Fort Fisher, the Confederate Marine Corps all but collapsed. The war would end weeks later at Appomattox, followed by Lincoln's assassination. In the aftermath, the Marine Corps faced serious challenges including desertion, low morale, and a changing national mission. Although often overlooked, Marines made a meaningful impact in the Civil War, and this episode highlights their contribution as the nation transitioned into a new era.