Battle of Simmon's Bluff facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Simmon's Bluff
Part of the American Civil War
Date June 21, 1862 (1862-06-21) Location Meggett, Charleston County, South Carolina 32°41′43″N 80°13′41″W / 32.69528°N 80.22806°W / 32.69528; -80.22806 Result Union victory
Belligerents
United States (Union)	Confederate States
Commanders and leaders
A. C. Rhind	James McCullough
Units involved
55th Pennsylvania Infantry USS Crusader (1858)	16th South Carolina Infantry Marion Artillery
Strength
1 regiment 1 gunboat 1 transport	1 regiment
Casualties and losses
0	0

The Battle of Simmon's Bluff was a small but important event during the American Civil War. It happened on June 21, 1862, in Meggett, South Carolina. This battle was a victory for the Union side, and interestingly, no one was hurt on either side.

What Was the Battle of Simmon's Bluff?

The Battle of Simmon's Bluff was a quick military action. It took place as Union forces were trying to capture Charleston, South Carolina. Charleston was a very important city for the Confederates. They received supplies through a nearby railroad line.

Why Did the Union Attack Simmon's Bluff?

The Union army wanted to stop supplies from reaching Charleston. To do this, they planned to cut the railroad line. They sent a group of soldiers, the 55th Pennsylvania Infantry regiment, to find a good spot to land their ships closer to the railway.

How Did the Battle Unfold?

On June 21, 1862, the 55th Pennsylvania soldiers landed their ships at Wadmalaw Sound. They soon found a camp belonging to the 16th South Carolina Infantry regiment, a Confederate group. The Union forces quickly attacked the camp. They destroyed it and fought with the Confederate soldiers.

The Confederate soldiers were surprised and scattered. They couldn't organize a strong counterattack. After the Union raid, the soldiers went back to their ships. They decided not to continue toward the railroad line.

Who Fought in This Battle?

On the Union side, the main group was the 55th Pennsylvania Infantry. They were led by A. C. Rhind. They also had a gunboat, the USS Crusader (1858), and a transport ship.

For the Confederates, the 16th South Carolina Infantry regiment was involved. They were led by James McCullough. The Marion Artillery also supported them.

What Was the Outcome of the Battle?

The Battle of Simmon's Bluff was a Union victory. Even though they didn't cut the railroad line, they successfully raided the Confederate camp. What makes this battle unique is that no soldiers were reported injured or killed on either side. It was a "bloodless" victory.

Images for kids

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  Map of Simon's Bluff Battlefield core and study areas by the American Battlefield Protection Program.