Fort Branch facts for kids
Fort Branch was an important fort built by the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. Its main job was to protect against attacks from the Union Army along the Roanoke River in North Carolina. This fort played a role in defending the area during the war.
The fort was first built in 1862. It was located along a place called Rainbow Banks in Martin County. This spot was chosen because it was perfect for defending the Roanoke Valley. The fort had twelve large cannons, called artillery. These cannons were there to stop Union soldiers from reaching the important Wilmington-Weldon Railroad Bridge.
A Surprise Attack in 1864
On December 12, 1864, Union soldiers launched a surprise attack on Fort Branch. These soldiers were led by Colonel Jones Frankle. The night was very cold and dark, which helped the Union troops move without being seen.
The fort's commander, Colonel John Hinton, was caught off guard. He was captured by Captain Samuel P. Russell. However, the Union soldiers then decided to chase some other Confederate troops. This gave Colonel Hinton's men a chance to get organized again. In the end, the Union forces, led by Colonel Frankle, had to retreat back to Williamston, North Carolina. The fort was left behind by the Union, and the Confederates held it.
External Links to Learn More
- Fort Branch Civil War Site - Learn more about the fort's history.
- Photos of Fort Branch Confederate Earthen Fort - See pictures of the fort.
- More Photos - Discover more images of Fort Branch.
35°55′42″N 77°10′18″W / 35.9284°N 77.1716°W
