Today in History:

Rivers Bridge

Battle Name: Rivers’ Bridge
Other Names: Salkehatchie River, Hickory Hill, Owens’ Crossroads, Lawtonville, Duck Creek
State: South Carolina
Location: Bamberg County
Campaign: Campaign of the Carolinas (February-April 1865)
Dates: February 3, 1865
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Francis P. Blair [US]; Maj. Gen. Lafayette McLaws [CS]
Forces Engaged: Divisions: 6,200 total (US 5,000; CS 1,200)
Estimated Casualties: 262 total (US 92; CS 170)
Description: On February 2, a Confederate force under McLaws held the crossings of the Salkehatchie River against the advance of the right wing of Sherman’s Army. Federal soldiers began building bridges across the swamp to bypass the road block. In the meantime, Union columns worked to get on the Confederates’ flanks and rear. On February 3, two Union brigades waded the swamp downstream and assaulted McLaws’s right. McLaws retreated toward Branchville after stalling Sherman’s advance for only one day.
Results: Union victory

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