The Last Shot

Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War's aftermath, the narrative chronicles the Confederate raider Shenandoah's final act of aggression against New England whalers in June 1865, three months post-surrender. Author Lynn Schooler meticulously details this dramatic encounter near Alaska's Little Diomede Island, showcasing the destruction of over two dozen ships. This event not only marked a significant moment in naval history but also dealt a severe blow to the New England whaling industry and impacted America's dominance in global shipping for decades.