Its position at the northern point of Mobile Bay made it a strategic location; if it fell, the Union Army's advance would be unimpeded.
Union Major General Gordon Granger's original plan was to attempt to capture Mobile right after the fall of Fort Morgan.
To capture the city, Granger wanted to bring his troops up the bay, disembark on Dog River, and march into Mobile.
However, on December 26, Granger and his men had to turn back due to a shortage of supplies and they could not break through the strong defense that the Confederates had put up.
This raid encouraged Alabama Governor Thomas H. Watt to issue a draft for more men to fight and to defend Mobile from Federal attacks.
On January 28, Lieutenant John T. Walker prepared to attack the Federal flagship Octorara docked in Mobile Bay with his vessel, the Saint Patrick.