New Bern in Craven County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
The Attack of the 4th RI
Photographed by Mike McKeown, January 16, 2026
1. The Attack of the 4th RI Marker
General Burnside joined Generals Foster and Parke in the captured Fort Thompson breastworks near the Old Beaufort Road (modern day Old Cherry Point Road). The Confederate line had collapsed and the men of the two brigades were clearing out the remaining Confederates and reforming their ranks. The sounds of battle were then heard across the railroad where General Reno was still fighting. Burnside ordered Parke and Foster to redeploy and assist Reno.
Parke's regiments moved Into a staggered battle line and advanced toward the railroad with the 5th Rhode Island engaging the Confederates at Redan 1 and the 8th. Connecticut moving to support them from the Brickyard. The 4th Rhode Island moved toward the right of the 5th Rhode Island on the opposite side of Bullen Branch. As the 4th. Rhode Island approached the railroad they took heavy fire from the retreating Confederates In the woods ahead. With several of his officers struck down, Colonel Rodman ordered one final charge. The men of the 4th Rhode Island leapt forward and
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(captions)
Colonel Isaac P. Rodman 4th Rhode Island
Situation along the railroad Noon to 12:30 PM
Erected by New Bern Historical Society. (Marker Number R2-2.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is March 14, 1862.
Location. 35° 2.824′ N, 77° 0.913′ W. Marker is in New Bern, North Carolina, in Craven County. It can be reached from Battlefield Trail 0.3 miles south of Taberna Way, on the right when traveling south. Along the Battlefield trail at New Bern Battlefield Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 300 Battlefield Trail, New Bern NC 28560, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Coastal Plain. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in the Tidewater, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself
Photographed by Mike McKeown, January 16, 2026
2. The Attack of the 4th RI Marker
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Medal of Honor (within shouting distance of this marker); Avery Surrenders (within shouting distance of this marker); Battle of New Bern (within shouting distance of this marker); Attack in the Brickyard (within shouting distance of this marker); Redan 3: Late Morning (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Fight Along Bullen Branch (about 300 feet away); 26th North Carolina Infantry Regiment (about 300 feet away); The Burnside Expedition (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Bern.
Also see . . .
1. 4th Rhode Island Infantry Regiment (The Civil War in the East). (Submitted on January 16, 2026, by Mike McKeown of Baltimore, Maryland.)
2. New Bern Battlefield Park (New Bern Historical Society). (Submitted on January 16, 2026, by Mike McKeown of Baltimore, Maryland.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on January 16, 2026, by Mike McKeown of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 87 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 16, 2026, by Mike McKeown of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
