Battle of Averasborough

Other Names: Taylor's Hole Creek, Smithville, Smiths Ferry, Black River

Location: Harnett and Cumberland County, North Carolina

Campaign: Campaign of the Carolinas (February-April 1865)

Date: March 16, 1865

Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Henry Slocum [US]; Lt. Gen. William Hardee [CS]

Forces Engaged: XX Corps and XIV Corps (25,992) [US]; Hardee's Corps (5,400) [CS]

Casualties and losses: 1,419 total

Result(s): Inconclusive

Brief Description:

On the afternoon of March 15, Judson Kilpatrick's cavalry came up against Lt. Gen. William Hardee's corps-consisting of Taliaferro's and McLaw's infantry divisions and Wheeler's dismounted cavalry-deployed across the Raleigh Road near Smithville. After feeling out the Confederate defenses, Kilpatrick withdrew and called for infantry support. During the night, four divisions of the XX Corps arrived to confront the Confederates. At dawn, March 16, the Federals advanced on a division front, driving back skirmishers, but they were stopped by the main Confederate line and a counterattack. Mid-morning, the Federals renewed their advance with strong reinforcements and drove the Confederates from two lines of works, but were repulsed at a third line. Late afternoon, the Union XIV Corps began to arrive on the field but was unable to deploy before dark due to the swampy ground. Hardee retreated during the night after holding up the Union advance for nearly two days.