Ship Island is one of the larger barrier islands on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
The U.S. Navy takes Pilottown in the Mississippi Delta. Pilottown is the last human outpost before the mouth of the Mississippi River. March 18 Commander David Porter, USN, maneuvers his squadron of 7 gunboats and 20 mortar schooners to the Head of the Passes. Late March - Early April Farragut continues to bring his fleet into the river from the Gulf. April 18 Mortars from Federal schooners fire at Forts Jackson and St. Philip at mid-morning.