Washington in Beaufort County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

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Tranter's Creek

Brothers in Battle

Photographed by Don Morfe, September 27, 2013

1. Tranter's Creek Marker

Inscription. After Union Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside’s army captured Roanoke Island in February 1862, Federal troops occupied New Bern the next month and then secured the undefended town of Washington on March 20. Although several weeks passed with only a few skirmishes between the opposing forces, by May 19 Col. George B. Singletary’s 44th North Carolina Infantry was on picket duty west of Washington in the vicinity of Tranter’s Creek, where it threatened the Federal garrison. Singletary planned to attack the town and was awaiting several pieces of artillery to support his assault. Union Gen. Edward E. Potter learned of Singletary’s plans and ordered the 24th Massachusetts Infantry to launch a spoiling attack. On June 5, Lt. Col. Francis A. Osborn led the regiment from Washington, accompanied by the 1st New York Marine Artillery. The combined force met the Confederates a mile north of here at Myers’ Bridge, which spanned the Tranter’s Creek.

The Federal gunboat Picket shelled the Confederate forces from the river to support Osborn’s attack. Both he and Singletary had about 500 men. Within minutes, Osborn lost nineteen men killed and

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wounded in the action. The engagement quickly turned in the Federal’ favor, however, when a sniper’s bullet killed Singletary, his brother, Lt. Col. Thomas C. Singletary, took command, and after three hours, the Confederates withdrew, having lost four men killed. Osborn returned to Washington. Confederates forces reoccupied the town in April 1864.

Lt. William B. Avery, 1st New York Marine Artillery, later received a Medal of Honor for his bravery at Tranter’s Creek, where he “handled his battery with greatest coolness amidst the hottest fire.” North Carolina Governor Henry T. Clark commended Lt. Col. Singletary for his gallantry.

(caption) The Battle of Tranter’s Creek, near Washington, North Carolina, June 5, 1862, Harper’s Weekly

Erected by North Carolina Civil War Trails.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the North Carolina Civil War Trails series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 5, 1862.

Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 35° 36.234′ N, 77° 8.21′ W. Marker was in Washington, North Carolina,

Photographed by Don Morfe, September 27, 2013

2. Tranter's Creek Marker

in Beaufort County. It could be reached from Pactolus Highway (U.S. 264) 0.1 miles west of Voa Road, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Washington NC 27889, United States of America.

We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.

Regionally, this marker was in North Carolina’s Coastal Plain. It was also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in the Tidewater,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it found 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 6 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies: Bryan Grimes (approx. 4 miles away); Edmund Harding (approx. 5.8 miles away); Lindsay C. Warren (approx. 5.8 miles away); St. John the Evangelist Church (approx.

Photographed by Don Morfe

3. Tranter's Creek Marker

William B. Avery was awarded the Medal of Honor for action at Tranter's Creek. He is buried in North Burial Grounds, Providence RI. The grave GPS coordinates are N41.8473 W71.4080.

5.9 miles away); Burning Of Washington (approx. 5.9 miles away); John H. Small (approx. 5.9 miles away); C. C. Cambreleng (approx. 5.9 miles away); Siege Of Washington (approx. 6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Washington.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 2, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 30, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 2,280 times since then and 145 times this year. Last updated on December 2, 2022, by Drew A Gruber of N/a, N/a. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 30, 2013, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.