Lt. Commander William W. Low, U.S. Navy

Description

Lt. Commander William W. Low, U.S. Navy

 

(1823–1887)

Albumen of Lt. Commander William W. Low, who served with distinction in the U.S. Navy’s West Gulf Blockading Squadron under Admiral David Farragut. Low commanded the steam gunboat Octorara and took part in several major naval actions, including the bombardment of Fort Powell and Fort Morgan, and the famed Battle of Mobile Bay on August 5, 1864.

 

Born in Massachusetts in 1823, Low entered the Navy in 1841 and advanced through the ranks, serving on multiple squadrons worldwide before the outbreak of the Civil War. His service aboard the Octorara placed him at the heart of Union naval strategy in the Gulf of Mexico, where his ship supported Farragut’s fleet during the dramatic “Damn the torpedoes” charge that sealed one of the Union’s greatest victories. He later participated in operations along the Blakely River and the capture of Mobile in April 1865.

 

This albumen, likely taken in the 1860s–1870s, captures Low in civilian attire, displaying a confident and distinguished senior naval officer. The image retains excellent tonal range with visible surface aging and corner wear consistent with period mounting. The reverse included pencil identification.

 

A historically important portrait of a Union naval commander who played a key role in the Battle of Mobile Bay — a centerpiece engagement of Civil War naval history.

 

Inventory Number: ALB 323