Stone fleets

"(Stone fleets; small sailing vessels, loaded with stone, purchased by the U.S. Navy Dept., in Baltimore, NY, New Bedford, New London, and other northern ports during the Civil War and sunk at entrances of southern harbors in hope of closing the channels to blockade runners. Some vessels sunk in Oracoke Inlet, N.C. (1861), and Charleston, S.C., harbor (1861-1862). Work accomplished nothing since ships’ timbers eaten away by marine worms and stones sunk in mud)" [Ref 7/24/07: LC]
2021-01 nps: Would be improved by distinction of the two fleets used in the effort, totaling 25-29 vessels (number to be verified) and are referred to as First or Second Fleet
see https://www.theday.com/article/20111211/NWS08/312119915 for local details.