Siege of Charleston Harbor Confederate order of battle facts for kids

The American Civil War was a huge conflict in the United States. One important part of this war was the Siege of Charleston Harbor in 1863. This article tells you about the brave soldiers and their leaders from the Confederate Army who fought to defend Charleston Harbor. The Union Army's side of the story is in a different article.

The fighting around Charleston Harbor happened in two main parts from July to September 1863. The first part, from July 10 to 18, included big battles like the First Fort Wagner, Grimball's Landing, and Second Fort Wagner. The second part, from July 19 to September 8, was a long siege against Charleston Harbor itself and Fort Sumter.

Understanding Military Ranks

When you read about armies, you'll see many different ranks. Here are some common ones used for the Confederate leaders in this battle:

• Gen = General: A very high-ranking officer, often in charge of a whole army or a large part of it.
• LTG = Lieutenant General: A high-ranking general, usually commanding a corps (a large group of soldiers).
• MG = Major General: A general who commands a division (a smaller group of soldiers than a corps).
• BG = Brigadier General: A general who commands a brigade (a few regiments together).
• Col = Colonel: An officer who commands a regiment (a group of about 1,000 soldiers).
• Ltc = Lieutenant Colonel: The second-in-command of a regiment.
• Maj = Major: An officer who commands a battalion (a smaller group of soldiers than a regiment).
• Cpt = Captain: An officer who commands a company (a small group of soldiers).
• Lt = Lieutenant: A junior officer, often leading a platoon (a very small group of soldiers).
• Sgt = Sergeant: A non-commissioned officer, helping to lead small groups of soldiers.

You might also see these abbreviations:

• w = wounded: The soldier was injured.
• mw = mortally wounded: The soldier was injured so badly they later died.
• k = killed: The soldier died in battle.
• c = captured: The soldier was taken prisoner by the enemy.

The First Battles (July 10–18, 1863)

The first part of the Charleston Harbor campaign involved intense fighting for key locations. The main Confederate commander for the whole area was Gen Pierre G. T. Beauregard. He was in charge of the Department of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.

First District Commanders

BG Roswell S. Ripley was the main commander for the First District, which included many important islands and forts around Charleston.

James Island Defenses

On James Island, Confederate forces were led by Col Charles H. Simonton at first, then by BG Johnson Hagood. They had several regiments and artillery units defending different posts like Secessionville, Clark House, and various forts such as Fort Pemberton, Fort Lamar, Fort Johnson, and Fort Glover. These units included the 25th and 20th South Carolina Infantry, and many South Carolina Artillery companies. Cavalry units, like the 5th South Carolina Cavalry, also helped protect the area.

Fort Moultrie and Nearby Batteries

Col Lawrence M. Keitt commanded the 2nd Sub-Division, which included the strong defenses of Fort Moultrie, Battery Bee, Battery Marshall, Battery Beauregard, and Palmetto Battery. These were mainly defended by the 1st South Carolina Artillery. Other units, like the 5th South Carolina Cavalry and the 20th South Carolina Infantry, were stationed nearby.

Morris Island Battles

Morris Island was a very important location and saw some of the fiercest fighting. Commanders here changed often due to the intense battles. Col Robert F. Graham led at first, followed by BG William B. Taliaferro and BG Johnson Hagood.

Key positions on Morris Island included Battery Mitchell and Battery Wagner.

• Battery Mitchell: Defended by detachments from the 21st South Carolina Infantry and companies from the 1st South Carolina Artillery.
• Battery Wagner: This was a very strong fort. It was defended by soldiers from the 1st South Carolina Infantry, 21st South Carolina Infantry, 31st and 51st North Carolina Infantry, and Georgia Infantry regiments (22nd and 63rd). Heavy artillery companies like the Gist Guard and Mathewes also played a big role here.
• Battery Gregg: This battery was defended by the 31st North Carolina Infantry and a detachment of the 5th South Carolina Cavalry.

Inner Harbor Defenses

Col Alfred Rhett was in charge of the Fourth Sub-Division, which protected the inner harbor.

• Fort Sumter: This famous fort was defended by five companies of the 1st South Carolina Artillery.
• Castle Pinckney and Fort Ripley: These forts were commanded by Cpt William H. Peroneau and defended by Company K, 1st South Carolina Artillery.
• Charleston: The city itself was protected by a detachment of the 5th South Carolina Cavalry, the Charleston Battalion, and the South Carolina Siege Train.

The Long Siege (July 19-September 8, 1863)

After the initial battles, the Union forces began a long siege, trying to wear down the Confederate defenses. Gen Pierre G. T. Beauregard remained the overall Confederate commander.

First District Commanders

BG Roswell S. Ripley continued to lead the First District.

First Sub-Division

BG William B. Taliaferro commanded the First Sub-Division. His forces included many infantry regiments from Georgia (like the 1st, 6th, 19th, 23rd, 27th, 28th, 32nd, and 54th Georgia Infantry) and North Carolina (8th and 31st North Carolina Infantry). The 5th South Carolina Cavalry provided cavalry support. Artillery was crucial, with units like the 1st and 2nd South Carolina Artillery, the 3rd (Palmetto) South Carolina Artillery Battalion, and the 18th South Carolina Artillery Battalion.

Two important brigades arrived later to help:

• Anderson's Brigade: Led by BG George T. Anderson, this brigade arrived on September 9 and included several Georgia Infantry regiments (7th, 8th, 9th, 11th, and 59th Georgia Infantry).
• Hagood's Brigade: Led by BG Johnson Hagood, this brigade included the 11th, 21st, and 25th South Carolina Infantry regiments.

Second Sub-Division

The Second Sub-Division was commanded by BG Alfred H. Colquitt until August, then by BG Thomas L. Clingman. Their infantry included the 51st and 61st North Carolina Infantry, 20th South Carolina Infantry, 7th South Carolina Battalion, and the 18th Georgia Infantry Battalion. Cavalry support came from the 5th South Carolina Cavalry and other South Carolina cavalry companies. Artillery units included the 1st South Carolina Artillery, German (South Carolina) Artillery, and Macbeth (South Carolina) Artillery Company.

Another key brigade was:

• Evans' Brigade: Led by BG Nathan G. Evans, this brigade included the 17th, 18th, 22nd, 23rd, and 26th South Carolina Infantry, and the Holcombe Legion.

Harbor Forts

The important forts in the harbor continued to be defended.

• Fort Sumter: Maj Stephen Elliott, Jr. commanded Fort Sumter, defended by the Charleston Battalion.
• Castle Pinckney and Fort Ripley: These forts were defended by Company G of the 1st S.C.A., commanded by Cpt William H. Peronneau.

Charleston City Defenses

BG Wilmot G. DeSaussure was in charge of defending the city of Charleston itself. His forces included militia units (1st and 18th South Carolina Militia), the 5th South Carolina State Troops, and the Cadet Battalion. Cavalry units like the 5th South Carolina Cavalry and 4th South Carolina Cavalry helped patrol the city. Artillery units included the 1st S.C.A., 1st South Carolina Militia Artillery, and the Gist Guard Artillery Company. Sailors also formed boat details to help with defense.

Reserve Forces

A reserve force was stationed in St. Andrew's Parish, commanded by BG Henry A. Wise, who arrived on September 19. This force included Virginia Heavy Artillery (serving as infantry) and several Virginia Infantry regiments (26th, 46th, and 59th Virginia Infantry).

Commanders of Morris Island

Morris Island was a very important and dangerous place during the siege. Because the fighting was so intense, the commander of Morris Island changed many times. Here is a list of the officers who led the defense of Morris Island during the campaign: