Ehrhardt in Bamberg County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Battle of Rivers' Bridge
Feb. 2-3, 1865
Photographed By Mike Stroud, April 2008
1. Battle of Rivers' Bridge Feb. 2-3, 1865 Marker
In January 1865, Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman's army of 60,000 Union soldiers invaded South Carolina. Its goals: to link up with Ulysses S. Grant's forces opposing Robert E. Lee's Confederates in Virginia and destroy the South's ability and will to support troops in the field.
Here, on February 2-3, 1865, part of Sherman's army clashed with Confederate troops along the Salkehatchie River. In the two-day battle of Rivers Bridge, Confederates made the most determined resistance to Sherman's march through South Carolina.
Sherman's Army moved in two wings to confuse the Confederates and prevent them from concentrating their forces. His troops marched inland to cross the state's rivers where they narrowed instead of along the coast where they ran through wide marshes.
Most of the soldiers who fought at Rivers Bridge were veterans. Years of bloody combat had taught them lessons for surviving on the battlefield. They would apply those lessons here
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Battlefield Trails - Civil War series list. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1865.
Location. 33° 3.12′ N, 81° 6.023′ W. Marker is in Ehrhardt, South Carolina
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Battle of Rivers' Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Battle of Rivers' Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Battle of Rivers' Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Battle of Rivers' Bridge (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Battle of Rivers' Bridge (about 600 feet away); a different marker also named Battle of Rivers' Bridge (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named Battle of Rivers' Bridge (about 800 feet away); a different marker also named Battle of Rivers' Bridge (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ehrhardt.
More about this marker. On the upper right is a portrait of Maj. Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman (Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division). On the upper left is a drawing of the army on the march through South Carolina. A map of South Carolina details the operations that lead up to the battle.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Photographed By Mike Stroud
2. Battle of Rivers' Bridge Feb. 2-3, 1865 Marker
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2008
3. Battle of Rivers' Bridge Feb. 2-3, 1865 Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on October 16, 2020. It was originally submitted on April 28, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,718 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 28, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
