Battle of Rivers' Bridge

Other Names: Salkehatchie River, Hickory Hill, Owens' Crossroads, Lawtonville, Duck Creek

Location: Bamberg County, South Carolina

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

Date: February 3, 1865

Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Francis P. Blair [US]; Maj. Gen. Lafayette McLaws [CS]

Forces Engaged: Divisions: 6,200 total (US 5,000; CS 1,200)

Casualties and losses: 262 total (US 92; CS 170)

Result(s): Union victory

Brief Description:

Major General Joseph A. Mower–attempted to seize one of several strategic crossings of the Salkehatchie River. Failing to take the crossing at Broxton’s Bridge, Mower’s troops advanced upstream to Rivers Bridge, which was defended by a Confederate brigade under Colonel George P. Harrison. On February 2, a Confederate force under McLaws held the crossings of the Salkehatchie River against the advance of the right wing of Sherman's Army. Federal soldiers began building bridges across the swamp to bypass the road block. In the meantime, Union columns worked to get on the Confederates' flanks and rear. On February 3, two Union brigades waded the swamp downstream and assaulted McLaws's right. McLaws retreated toward Branchville after stalling Sherman's advance for only one day.