Battle of Goldsborough Bridge

Other Names: None

Location: Wayne County, North Carolina

Campaign: Goldsborough Expedition (December 1862)

Date: December 17, 1862

Principal Commanders: Brig. Gen. John G. Foster [US]; Brig. Gen. Thomas Clingman [CS]

Forces Engaged: Department of North Carolina, 1st Division [US]; Clingman's Brigade [CS]

Casualties and losses: 577 [US]; 738 [CS]

Result(s): Union victory

Brief Description:

On December 17, Foster's expedition reached the railroad near Everettsville and began destroying the tracks north toward the Goldsborough Bridge. Clingman's Confederate brigade delayed the advance but was unable to prevent the destruction of the bridge. His mission accomplished, Foster returned to New Berne where he arrived on the 20th. His mission accomplished, Foster departed to return to their base at New Bern. On their way back, Foster's men were again attacked by Confederate forces, but they repulsed the assault, taking far fewer casualties than the enemy.