Battle of Monroe's Crossroads

Other Names: Fayetteville Road, Blue's Farm

Location: Hoke County, near Fayetteville, North Carolina

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

Date: March 10, 1865

Principal Commanders: Brig. Gen. Judson Kilpatrick [US]; Maj. Gen. Joseph Wheeler and Lt. Gen. Wade Hampton [CS]

Forces Engaged: Kilpatrick's Cavalry Division (1,850) [US]; Wheeler's and Hampton's Cavalry Division (3,000) [CS]

Casualties and losses: 

Result(s): Inconclusive

Brief Description:

As Sherman's army advanced into North Carolina, Kilpatrick's Cavalry Division screened its left flank. On the evening of March 9, two of Kilpatrick's brigades encamped near the Charles Monroe House in Cumberland (now Hoke) County. Early on the 10th, Confederate cavalry under the command of Lt. Gen. Wade Hampton surprised the Federals in their camps, driving them back in confusion and capturing wagons and artillery. The Federals regrouped and counterattacked, regaining their artillery and camps after a desperate fight. With Union reinforcements on the way, the Confederates withdrew. The Battle of Monroe's Crossroads gained the additional time needed for the Confederate infantry to conduct an organized crossing of the Cape Fear River at Fayetteville unmolested by the advancing Federals. With their troops and equipment east of the Cape Fear, the Confederates burned the bridges as Union forces entered the city.