Dudley in Wayne County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

Defense of the Bridge

Photographed by Mike McKeown, October 11, 2025

1. Defense of the Bridge Marker

Inscription. This area was occupied by two North Carolina infantry regiments on the morning of December 17, 1862. The 52nd North Carolina was posted on the other side of the railroad across the field in front of you, and the 51st North Carolina was in the woods behind you. These men were supported by several cannon and additional troops across the river and near the county wagon bridge, one half mile upriver.

Around 11:00 several Union infantry regiments supported by artillery approached from the other side of the railroad tracks and engaged the 52nd. The 51st left the woods behind you and after crossing this field, took up position on the right of the 52nd. Both regiments fought in that position until they were in danger of being trapped by the Union advance and were compelled to withdraw.

Some troops took cover in the woods behind you where they continued to fire upon Union troops that were advancing atop the railroad embankment, while others crossed the railroad bridge and took position on the north bank of the Neuse River.

Erected by Brunswick Civil War Roundtable.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these

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topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is December 17, 1862.

Location. 35° 20.267′ N, 78° 1.556′ W. Marker has been damaged. Marker is in Dudley, North Carolina, in Wayne County. It can be reached from Old Mt Olive Highway east of U.S. 13/17, on the left when traveling east. On the walking trail at the Goldsborough Bridge Battlefield. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 303 Old Mt Olive Hwy, Dudley NC 28333, 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 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 location: Attack of the 17th Massachusetts (within shouting distance of this

Close up of left side image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike McKeown, October 11, 2025

2. Close up of left side

marker); Earthwork Cross-Section (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); River Road and Pontoon Bridges (about 800 feet away); Battle of Goldsborough Bridge (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Union Assault on the Bridge (approx. 0.2 miles away); Confederate Counterattack (approx. 0.2 miles away); Confederate and Union Earthworks (approx. 0.2 miles away); Confederate Earthworks (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dudley.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Union Assault on the Bridge (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Also see . . .
1. Goldsborough Bridge Battlefield. (Submitted on October 11, 2025, by Mike McKeown of Baltimore, Maryland.)
2. Goldsborough Bridge (American Battlefield Trust). (Submitted on October 11, 2025, by Mike McKeown of Baltimore, Maryland.)

Close up of right side image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike McKeown, October 11, 2025

3. Close up of right side

Photographed by Mike McKeown, October 11, 2025

4. Defense of the Bridge Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on October 14, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 11, 2025, by Mike McKeown of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 58 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 11, 2025, by Mike McKeown of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.