Although the Union Navy captured about 1,500 blockade runners, tens of thousands of tons of supplies made it into Confederate ports. These provisions included medicine, food, uniforms and weapons. One-third of all these imports came through the port of Wilmington, North Carolina.
Blockade running became so profitable that ship owners were willing to take great risks. They paid their crews large salaries and used specially designed ships that could outrun the Union ships. These steamers had long, low profiles, shallow drafts and powerful engines. They were also painted a dark gray so they would be difficult to see at night.
Blockade runners usually traveled at night and stayed close to shore to avoid detection. They would also disguise themselves as fishing boats or other harmless vessels. If a blockade runner was spotted by a Union ship, it would often try to escape by throwing cargo overboard and increasing its speed.
Many blockade runners were sunk or captured, but the profits were so high that ship owners were willing to take the risk. Blockade running helped the Confederate army continue to fight for their cause.