Fort Branch facts for kids

Fort Branch was a special fort built by the Confederate Army during the American Civil War. Its main job was to protect against attacks from the Union Army. This important fort was located along the Roanoke River in North Carolina.

Fort Branch: A Stronghold in North Carolina

Fort Branch was a key defense point for the Confederates. It was built to stop Union forces from moving up the Roanoke River. This river was like a highway for soldiers and supplies.

Why Fort Branch Was Built

The fort was first built in 1862. It was placed in a spot called Rainbow Banks in Martin County. This area was perfect for defending the Roanoke Valley.

The Confederates put twelve large cannons, called artillery, at the fort. These cannons were there to block Union ships and soldiers. They wanted to keep the Union from reaching the important Wilmington-Weldon Railroad Bridge. This bridge was vital for moving supplies.

A Surprise Attack in December 1864

On December 12, 1864, Union soldiers launched a surprise attack. They were led by Colonel Jones Frankle. The night was very cold and dark. This helped the Union troops move quietly towards Fort Branch.

The Confederate commander, Colonel John Hinton, was caught off guard. He was even captured by Captain Samuel P. Russell of the Union army. This was a big win for the Union at first.

The Battle's Outcome

After capturing Colonel Hinton, the Union soldiers made a mistake. They decided to chase after some other Confederate troops. This gave Colonel Hinton's men a chance to get organized again.

Because of this delay, the Union forces couldn't hold the fort. Colonel Frankle and his men had to leave Fort Branch. They retreated back to Williamston, North Carolina. The fort was left behind.