Battle of Honey Hill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Honey Hill |
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| Part of the American Civil War | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 United States (Union) |
 Confederate States (Confederacy) |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| John P. Hatch | G. W. Smith Charles J. Colcock |
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| Units involved | |||||||
| Coastal Division, Department of the South South Atlantic Blockading Squadron |
Georgia Militia Department of Georgia |
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| Strength | |||||||
| 5,000 | 1,400 | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 755 total 88 killed, 623 wounded 44 captured |
50 total 8 killed 42 wounded |
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The Battle of Honey Hill was an important fight during the American Civil War. It happened on November 30, 1864, in South Carolina. This battle was part of a bigger plan by the Union Army to help General William Tecumseh Sherman's famous "March to the Sea." The Union soldiers tried to cut a key railroad line, but they faced strong resistance.
Contents
What Happened at Honey Hill?
The Union plan was to stop supplies from reaching the Confederate forces. Union soldiers, led by Brigadier General John Porter Hatch, left Hilton Head, South Carolina. They traveled by boat up the Broad River. Their goal was to destroy the Charleston and Savannah Railroad. This railroad was very important for moving troops and supplies.
The Union force had about 5,000 soldiers. They also had some naval troops and artillery. Heavy fog made it hard for them to land their troops on time. They finally started moving towards the railroad on the morning of November 30.
The Fight Begins
A few miles from a town called Grahamville, the Union soldiers met a strong Confederate force. The Confederates were led by Colonel Charles J. Colcock. They had set up a strong defense at a place called Honey Hill. They had seven cannons ready to fire.
The Union soldiers attacked bravely. Many of them were United States Colored Troops, including the famous 54th Massachusetts and 55th Massachusetts regiments. These soldiers fought hard, but the Confederate defenses were too strong. The Union cannons could not be used effectively in the thick woods.
The fighting lasted until it got dark. General Hatch realized his soldiers could not win. The Confederates were too well protected. He decided to pull his troops back to their boats.
Who Won and What Were the Losses?
The Battle of Honey Hill was a victory for the Confederates. The Union Army could not cut the railroad line. This meant General Sherman's main force would not get the help they expected.
The Union Army had many casualties. They lost 89 soldiers killed, 629 wounded, and 28 missing. The Confederate forces had far fewer losses. They reported only 8 killed and 39 wounded.
Several Union soldiers received the Medal of Honor for their bravery. These included Captains George Edward Gouraud and Thomas Foulds Ellsworth, and First Lieutenant Orson W. Bennett. In 2001, Corporal Andrew J. Smith also received the medal for his actions.
Images for kids
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Map of Honey Hill and Grahamsville, Official Military Atlas of the Civil War, Plate XCI, Nr.4
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Map of Honey Hill Battlefield core and study areas by the American Battlefield Protection Program.
See also
In Spanish: Batalla de Honey Hill para niños
