As the Federal navy sought to implement its Anaconda Plan, the multi-channeled mouth of the Mississippi posed a special challenge. A key waterway, the Head of Passes, became the focus of attention—and the scene of an ironclad "surprise" months before the battle of Hampton Roads. Emerging Civil War's Neil Chateltain shares the story in his new book, Ironclad Ambush.

The Emerging Civil War Podcast is hosted by Chris Mackowski. This episode is brought to you by Civil War Trails, the world’s largest open-air museum, offering more than 1,500 sites across six states. Request a brochure at civilwartrails.org to start planning your trip today.