Battle of Simmon's Bluff

Other Names: None

Location: Meggett, Charleston County, South Carolina

Campaign: Operations against Charleston (June 1862)

Date: June 21, 1862

Principal Commanders: Lt. A.C. Rhind [US]; Col. James McCullough [CS]

Forces Engaged: 55th Pennsylvania Infantry, USS Crusader [US]; 16th South Carolina Infantry, Marion Artillery [CS]

Casualties and losses: None

Result(s): Union victory

Brief Description:

In June, the Federals besieging Charleston mounted an amphibious expedition to cut the Charleston & Savannah Railroad. On June 21, troops of the 55th Pennsylvania landed from the gunboat Crusader and transport Planter near Simmon's Bluff on Wadmelaw Sound, surprising and burning an encampment of the 16th South Carolina Infantry. The Confederates scattered, and the Federals returned to their ships. Despite this minor victory, the Federals abandoned their raid on the railroad. Although a bloodless raid, this engagement typified scores of similar encounters that occurred along the South Carolina coastline.