The James River Squadron was formed shortly after the secession of Virginia during the American Civil War. The squadron was part of the Virginia Navy before being transferred to the Confederate States Navy. The squadron is most notable for its role in patrolling the James River, which was the main water approach to the Confederate capital, Richmond. It had two phases: early war, when it consisted mostly of wooden ships (besides the famous CSS "Virginia") which ended with the Battle of Drewry's Bluff on May 15, 1862; and its later ironclad composition with the flagship CSS "Virginia II".