First Battle of Pocotaligo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids First Battle of Pocotaligo |
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| Part of the American Civil War | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 United States (Union) |
 CSA (Confederacy) |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Benjamin C. Christ | Colonel William S. Walker | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 2 killed and 9 wounded | 2 killed, 6 wounded and 1 missing | ||||||
The First Battle of Pocotaligo was a small but important fight during the American Civil War. It happened on May 29, 1862, near a town called Yemassee in South Carolina. The main goal for the Union army was to cut off the Charleston and Savannah Railroad. This railroad was very important for moving supplies and soldiers. By cutting it, the Union hoped to isolate the city of Charleston, South Carolina.
The Battle
On May 28, 1862, a group of Union soldiers started their mission. They were led by Colonel Benjamin C. Christ. These soldiers came from different units, including the 50th Pennsylvania Infantry, 8th Michigan Infantry, 79th New York Infantry, and 1st Massachusetts Cavalry.
Their journey began in Beaufort, South Carolina. They marched towards Pocotaligo, aiming to cause trouble for the Charleston and Savannah Railroad. Along the way, they pushed back small groups of Confederate guards, called "pickets."
When they reached Pocotaligo, there was a tough fight. A bridge over a creek had been mostly taken apart by the Confederates. About 300 Union soldiers managed to cross the creek. They pushed the Confederate forces back into the nearby woods.
Since the Union soldiers had damaged the bridge and fought the Confederates, they had completed their main goal. After achieving their mission, the Union force decided to leave the area.
During this battle, the Union army had 2 soldiers killed and 9 wounded. The Confederate army lost 2 soldiers killed, 6 wounded, and 1 soldier went missing.
