The Coastal Defense was a series of forts and fortifications built around the major seaports around early 1800s to defend against the British Navy. These series of forts was again used to defend aginst the Federal Navy attacks and naval blockade from the very beginings and thoughout the war. Union Army under General Sherman was marching north into North Carolina after devasting Savannah, Georgia and Coulumbia, South Carolina. Sherman's was ordered to meet at Goldsboro, NC with other Union forces coming from Fort Fisher and Wilmiington, NC. They were met by forces of Confederate General Johnston at a series of encounters before fleeing to Raleigh, NC and eventual surrender at Greensboro, NC on April 26, 1865.