In July 1861, Confederates constructed an earthen structure nearby three-quarters of a mile in length by order of General Gideon Pillow. Designed to hold 40 artillery pieces, the water batteries were the major works that prevented the passage of Union boats along the river. The river flooded in March 1862 and rendered the water batteries almost unusable. After the fall of Shiloh and Corinth, the Confederates withdrew from the fort in June 1862, leaving behind 19 pieces of artillery, all spiked or dismounted.