Near 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 "This Indescribably Ugly Salkehatchie " Marker
At Rivers Bridge the Salkehatchie flowed though a swamp a half mile wide. The only road through it was a narrow earthen causeway with multiple wooden bridges. The Confederates hoped the thick swamp and chest-deep water would hinder the Union advance. "a dog could scarcely make his way through the swamp" recalled a Union soldier. After the battle, Union Gen. Howard called the river " this indescribably Ugly Salkehatchie."
"So immense are the trees, and so thickly set, that the eye cannot reach half pistol range; and they are so abundantly covered with foliage that the light of day is shut out."
-Capt. F.Y. Hedley, 32nd Illinois Infantry
Erected by South Carolina State Park System.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil.
Location. 33° 3.197′ N, 81° 6.09′ W. Marker is near Ehrhardt, South Carolina, in Bamberg County. It can be reached from SC-S-5-8, on the right when traveling south. Located in the Rivers Bridge State Park, a mile south of SC-S-5-31. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ehrhardt SC 29081, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Lowcountry. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Deep 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: A different marker also named Battle of Rivers' Bridge (a
this page online
More about this marker. Marker Background Pictures is from University of Michigan Digital Library Production Services.
Photographed by Mike Stroud, 2008
2. "This Indescribably Ugly Salkehatchie " on an April Day
Photographed by Mike Stroud, 2008
3. A Narrow earthern causway leading up from the river
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 29, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,637 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 29, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
