Near Goldsboro in Wayne County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Confederate Counterattack
| | Battle of Goldsborough Bridge | |
Photographed by J. J. Prats, February 27, 2010
1. Confederate Counterattack Marker
The right wing of the Confederate force, consisting of the 8th and 61st North Carolina and Malletts Battalion, moved one mile south to strike the Union left, while the left wing, consisting of the 51st and 52nd North Carolina, emerged from the woods behind you and crossed this field. After climbing the railroad embankment in front of you the North Carolinians gave the “rebel yell” and charged the Union guns. Union reinforcements quickly returned to the field to meet the threat. One Union soldier recalled the action; “As the battery sent forth its deadly contents great gaps were made in the rebel ranks. Three times the colors were shot down and three times they were raised; but the fourth time they remained on the ground for want of anyone to raise them.”
The Confederate charge was turned back with heavy losses before the men of the 8th and 61st NC and Mallets Battalion were in position for a coordinated attack. Those men killed are listed among those buried in the Confederate mass grave at Willowdale Cemetery in Goldsboro.
Erected by
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil.
Location. 35° 20.406′ N, 78° 1.579′ W. Marker is near Goldsboro, North Carolina, in Wayne County. It is on Old Mt. Olive Highway near U.S. 117, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Goldsboro NC 27530, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Coastal Plain and in the Piedmont. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Confederate and Union Earthworks (a few steps from this marker); Confederate Earthworks (a few steps from this marker); River Road and Pontoon Bridges (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Earthwork Cross-Section (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Union Assault on the Bridge (about 600 feet away); Attack of the 17th Massachusetts (about 700 feet away); Battle Of Goldsborough Bridge (about 700 feet away); Battle of Goldsborough Bridge (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Goldsboro.
Other markers no longer nearby. Union Assault on the Bridge (was about 600 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Battle of Goldsboro Bridge (was about 700 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
More about this marker. This is stop 4 on
Photographed by J. J. Prats, February 27, 2010
2. Confederate Counterattack Marker
The woods and earthworks are behind the photographer with the large open field of the park in front of the marker. The railroad embankment can be seen in the distance on the left, the roof of the barn on the right and wooden cabins with the white canvas roofs of the confederate camp in the distance directly beyond the marker.
3. Detail from the Marker
Map of the battle at 5 p.m. as the Confederate Counterattack was repulsed.
Photographed by J. J. Prats, February 27, 2010
4. Small Camp in the Earthworks Behind this Marker
Photographed by J. J. Prats, February 27, 2010
5. Earthworks in the Now Wooded Area
They are between the open field and the river, closest to this marker.
Photographed by J. J. Prats, February 27, 2010
6. End of the Walking Tour Trail at Parking Area
Path to the left is the begining of the trail. Shopping center is directly across Old Mt. Olive Highway.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on March 13, 2010, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,392 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on March 13, 2010, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
