Battle of Boykin's Mill facts for kids
Boykin's Mill was a very important place during the American Civil War. It was where the last Union officer was killed in battle. It was also the very last battle fought in South Carolina.
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History of the Battle at Boykin's Mill
In April 1865, near the end of the Civil War, Union General Edward E. Potter led about 2,700 soldiers. One of his groups was led by Colonel Edward Needles Hallowell. This group included the famous 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment. This regiment was made up of African American soldiers.
General Potter's mission was to destroy railroads in South Carolina. His troops often fought against a group of Confederate soldiers from Kentucky called the "Orphan Brigade". These fights happened between April 9 and April 18, 1865.
The Final Fight in South Carolina
On April 18, 1865, Potter's Union soldiers met the Kentuckians again. This time, they met in the quiet town of Boykin, South Carolina. The Confederate soldiers had a very strong defensive spot. It was an old, abandoned fort.
A soldier named Sergeant Major Joseph Thomas Wilson later wrote about this fort. He said it was a perfect place to defend. The only way to reach it was by a narrow path, about 200 yards long. Only one person could walk on it at a time.
The Union's 54th Massachusetts regiment was given the tough job of attacking this fort. They fought bravely but lost two soldiers and had thirteen wounded. The Confederate troops were greatly outnumbered. They eventually ran away from the fort.
The Last Union Officer Killed
Among the Union soldiers who died that day was Private James P. Johnson. He was 21 years old. The other soldier killed was First Lieutenant E.L. Stevens. He was the very last Union officer to be killed in battle during the entire Civil War.
Lieutenant Stevens was killed by Burrell H. Boykin. Burrell was only 14 years old and was part of the local Confederate Home Guard. His family owned the land where the battle took place.
After the Battle
Union troops tried to chase the fleeing Confederate soldiers but could not catch them. After the battle, the mill at Boykin's Mill was burned down. This was part of Major General William T. Sherman's "Scorched Earth" policy. This policy meant destroying things that could help the enemy.
The fight at Boykin's Mill was the bloodiest battle for the 54th Massachusetts regiment during this campaign. Even after this battle, the Union and Confederate groups continued to have small fights. They skirmished until April 19 at Dinkin's Mill.
Two days later, both sides heard that the fighting would soon stop. Confederate General Johnston officially surrendered on April 26, 1865. This marked the end of the major fighting in the Civil War.
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