Battle of Rivers' Bridge

Feb. 2-3, 1865

The End is Near

The Union Victory broke the main Confederate line of defense in lower South Carolina. McLaws' troops retreated to another line behind the Edisto River about 20 miles northeast of here, then continued to fall ...

Battle of Rivers' Bridge

Feb. 2-3, 1865

Death and Defeat

As Mower's troops flanked the Confederate right, another Union division crossed several miles downstream to flank the Confederate left. Under a smokescreen created by a rapid artillery and rifle volleys, the Southerners withdrew. Before the retreat, ...

Battle of Rivers' Bridge

Feb. 2-3, 1865

A Vulnerable Stronghold

The Confederates were confident they could stop another head-on Union assault. But they feared for the safety of their flanks, knowing they did not have enough men to resist attacks that might strike the ends of ...

Battle of Rivers' Bridge

Feb. 2-3, 1865

A Running Battle on the River Road

On Feb.2, Union troops moved up the road on the opposite bank of the Salkehatchie, fighting a running battle with the Confederate cavalrymen who tried to slow their advance. Among the casualties ...

Battle of Rivers' Bridge

Feb. 2-3, 1865

Attack!

Gen. Joseph A. Mower's Union division advanced rapidly to Rivers Bridge on the afternoon of Feb. 2 and charged down a narrow causeway. Confederate cannon fire stopped the attack and forced the Yankees to take cover in the ...

Battle of Rivers' Bridge

Feb. 2-3, 1865

"This Indescribably Ugly Salkehatchie "

At Rivers Bridge the Salkehatchie flowed though a swamp a

half mile wide. The only road through it was a narrow earthen causeway with multiple wooden bridges. The Confederates hoped the thick swamp and ...

Battle of Rivers' Bridge

Feb. 2-3, 1865

Dig In

Part of McLaws' division protected the middle crossing of the Salkehatchie at Rivers Bridge. This small force, consisting of a brigade of Georgia infantrymen, South Carolina cavalrymen and four cannons of the South Carolina Light Artillery, prepared ...

Battle of Rivers' Bridge

Feb. 2-3, 1865

Crucial Routes to the Heart of the State:

The Salkehatchie River Crossings

As Sherman's right wing- about 28,000 men underGen. Oliver Otis Howard- advanced up the south side of the Salkehatchie, Gen. Lafayette McLaws' Confederate division marched into position on ...

Battle of Rivers' Bridge

Feb. 2-3, 1865

The End is Near

The Union Victory broke the main Confederate line of defense in lower South Carolina. McLaws' troops retreated to another line behind the Edisto River about 20 miles northeast of here, then continued to fall ...