Skirmish of Sporting Hill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Skirmish of Sporting Hill |
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| Part of the American Civil War | |||||||
 The Eberly Barn foundation, site of the skirmish |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 United States |
 Confederate States of America |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Darius N. Couch | Albert G. Jenkins | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| Elements of Pennsylvania and New York state militia | Elements of the 16th Virginia Cavalry Regiment | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 11 wounded | 16 dead 20–30 wounded |
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The Skirmish of Sporting Hill was a small fight during the American Civil War. It happened on June 30, 1863, near Camp Hill, Pennsylvania. This event is special because it was the northernmost battle of Robert E. Lee's Confederate army during the war. It was part of the larger Gettysburg Campaign.
Contents
Why the Skirmish Happened
In June 1863, Confederate General Richard S. Ewell led his soldiers through Maryland into Pennsylvania. His goal was to capture Harrisburg, the state capital. Heavy rains had slowed his journey, giving the Union army time to prepare.
Union General Darius N. Couch was in charge of defending the area. He sent troops to Camp Hill, just west of Harrisburg. Workers quickly built defenses, including two main forts called "Fort Couch" and "Fort Washington." These forts were meant to protect the capital.
The Fight at Sporting Hill
On June 28, Confederate cavalry, led by General Albert G. Jenkins, raided nearby Mechanicsburg. But then, General Robert E. Lee got news that the main Union army was moving fast. He decided to gather his troops near Gettysburg. This meant General Ewell's plan to take Harrisburg was called off.
Even so, Jenkins's cavalry had a brief fight at Sporting Hill on June 29, 1863. They faced soldiers from the 22nd and 37th New York Militia. The Confederates used the barn of the Johannes Eberly House for cover. They tried to go around the Union soldiers, but the Union troops stopped them.
Around 5 p.m., the Confederates started firing cannons at the Union position. Soon after, Lieutenant Perkins of the Union army arrived with two cannons. Their first shot hit the barn, causing about 50 Confederate soldiers to run out. The Confederates then left, heading towards Carlisle to rejoin their main army.
What Happened After
During the fight, at least 16 Confederate soldiers were killed. Another 20 to 30 were wounded. The Union army had 11 soldiers wounded. The Confederates then marched south towards Gettysburg.
Protecting the Battlefield
Some of the battlefield area has been built over, including for PA Route 581. However, a special marker tells people about the skirmish. It is located at 31st Street and Market Streets in Camp Hill.
The wooden part of the Eberly barn was destroyed by a tornado in 1976. But its stone foundation is still there. The Eberly House and the barn foundation have been saved. They are now part of a nearby apartment complex.
