Abstract:
Wilmington thrived as a Civil War blockade running port because of its proximity to foreign ports, Bermuda and Nassau, and internal connections via railroad to Charleston and Richmond. Typically blockade runners brought in much needed supplies and were celebrated, however, the steamship Kate also brought along yellow fever in the late summer of 1862. Historic sources vary on total number of deaths but modern scholars believe it to be between 446 to 700 or more.