Battle of Turtle Gut Inlet

The Battle of Turtle Gut Inlet on June 29, 1776 was a minor but spirited naval engagement along the New Jersey coast. American vessels under Captain Charles Alexander were attempting to bring a cargo of gunpowder through Turtle Gut Inlet when British naval vessels appeared and gave chase.

Alexander managed to bring part of his cargo safely through the inlet. When it became clear that British capture was imminent for his vessel, he had the remaining powder transferred to smaller boats and then blew up his ship rather than allow the British to capture it and its remaining cargo. The explosion destroyed the British boarding party that was attempting to take possession of the vessel.

The action was characteristic of the ingenuity and determination of American sailors throughout the war. The willingness to destroy rather than surrender valuable military stores demonstrated the Patriot commitment that would eventually outlast British resources and will. The gunpowder successfully landed was put to immediate use by the Continental Army.