During the American Civil War, riverine naval battles were conducted primarily on the Mississippi River and its tributaries, utilizing ironclads, gunboats, and other shallow-draft vessels. These ships were designed to navigate the narrow and often shallow waters of rivers. Maneuvering involved careful navigation to avoid sandbars and other obstacles, with vessels often moving in line formations to concentrate firepower and protect each other. The use of ironclads, like the USS Monitor and CSS Virginia, provided significant advantages due to their armored hulls. Riverine operations were crucial for controlling supply lines and strategic locations, with battles often involving artillery duels and attempts to board or disable enemy vessels.