Battle of Congaree Creek facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Congaree Creek Skirmish at Congaree Creek
Part of the Campaign of the Carolinas
Date February 15, 1865 (1865-02-15) Location Cayce, South Carolina 33°57′38.04″N 81°02′17.04″W / 33.9605667°N 81.0380667°W / 33.9605667; -81.0380667 Result Union victory
Belligerents
United States (Union)	CSA (Confederacy)
Casualties and losses
20	Unknown

The Battle of Congaree Creek was a short fight during the end of the American Civil War. It happened on February 15, 1865, in Lexington County, South Carolina. This battle was near the town of Columbia. It was also called the Skirmish at Congaree Creek.

The Battle of Congaree Creek

This battle lasted for about four hours. It took place between the Union Army and the Confederate Army. They met at a special defense line built by the Confederates. This defense was a half-mile-long dirt wall, called an earthwork. It was near a bridge over Congaree Creek.

How the Battle Unfolded

Confederate General George Dibrell's soldiers, who fought on foot, were in charge of the earthworks. They had help from other soldiers and cannons. But the Union's XV Corps, led by General Charles Woods, attacked. Union soldiers went ahead to scout the area. One of Woods' groups went upstream. They then attacked the Confederates from the side, which is called "turning their flank."

General Dibrell's forces had to leave their positions. They pulled back from Congaree Creek. Then they retreated all the way to Columbia. The Confederates tried to burn the bridge to stop the Union army. But the Union soldiers managed to save it. They set up their camp nearby for the night. This story is remembered on a historical marker at the battle site.

After the Battle

Just two days after this fight, the Union army kept moving. General William T. Sherman led his army to Columbia.