Battle of Altamaha Bridge facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Altamaha Bridge
Part of the American Civil War
Historical marker
Date December 19, 1864 (1864-12-19) Location Wayne County, Georgia Result Confederate victory
Belligerents
United States	Confederate States
Commanders and leaders
Colonel Smith D. Atkins	Gen. Henry Kent McCay
Strength
2,000	1,000
Casualties and losses
Unknown	Unknown

The Battle of Altamaha Bridge was an important fight during the American Civil War. It happened on December 19, 1864, in Wayne County, Georgia. This battle is also known as the Battle for the Doctortown Railroad Trestle.

The Confederate army won this battle. Their victory stopped Union forces from destroying a very important railroad bridge. This bridge was crucial during William T. Sherman's famous Sherman's March to the Sea. By protecting the bridge, the Confederates kept their supply lines open to the city of Savannah.

Why Was This Bridge So Important?

Protecting a Key Railroad

The Altamaha Bridge was part of the Atlantic and Gulf Railroad. This railroad was a vital route for moving supplies and soldiers. It was especially important for the Confederates defending Savannah.

On December 1, 1864, a group of Confederate soldiers arrived. They were the Fourth Brigade Georgia Militia, led by Henry Kent McCay. Their mission was to defend the railroad bridge over the Altamaha River.

Building Defenses

The Confederates quickly built strong defenses. They made dirt walls, called earthworks, on the north side of Morgan's Lake. The railroad tracks cut right through this lake, just north of the river.

On the south side of the river, at a place called Doctortown, they set up two large cannons. These cannons could fire across the bridge. This would stop any enemy trying to cross. A smaller cannon on a train also helped protect the area.

The Union Attack

Sherman's Plan

By December 16, General Sherman's Union army was outside Savannah. They needed to cut off Confederate supplies. Sherman sent Union troops to destroy the railroad tracks. Their goal was to wreck the line all the way from the Ogeechee River to the Altamaha Bridge.

The Battle Begins

A Union cavalry group, led by Smith D. Atkins, attacked the bridge on December 19. They managed to destroy a wooden section of the bridge past Morgan's Lake. However, they could not capture the main bridge. They also failed to take the Confederate cannons at Doctortown.

After the fight, the Union soldiers pulled back. They returned to the Ogeechee River. The Confederates had successfully defended their vital bridge.