Following President Abraham Lincoln’s proclamation of a blockade of Southern ports on April 19, 1861, the Navy Department found it necessary to subdivide the territory assigned to the Home Squadron.

His new command was to be headquartered at Hampton Roads, Virginia, and was given responsibility for the blockading of the coast from the capes of the Chesapeake to the southern extremity of Florida and Key West.

[2] On September 16, 1861, Stringham tendered his resignation as commander of the squadron following his receipt of a letter from Acting Secretary of the Navy Gustavus V. Fox that he felt indicated disapproval of his measures to enforce the blockade.

[3] During the summer of 1861 a four-person board, chaired by Captain Samuel F. Du Pont, was formed to study the implementation of the blockade and make recommendations to improve its efficiency.

[4] The only major operation conducted by the Atlantic Blockading Squadron was the expedition that led to the capture of Hatteras Inlet, North Carolina August 26–29, 1861.