Ehrhardt in Bamberg County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Battle of Rivers' Bridge
Feb. 2-3, 1865
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2008
1. Battle of Rivers' Bridge Dig In Marker
Part of McLaws' division protected the middle crossing of the Salkehatchie at Rivers Bridge. This small force, consisting of a brigade of Georgia infantrymen, South Carolina cavalrymen and four cannons of the South Carolina Light Artillery, prepared a reception for Union troops attempting to cross the river. Their strong position -- a bluff overlooking a narrow road leading out of a thick swamp -- was made even stronger with temporary earthen fortifications.
"I had, during my service in the army, never seen a more advantageous position for resistance of attack than that at Rivers Bridge"
-Capt. Benjamin S. Williams, 47th Georgia Infantry
Erected by South Carolina State Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil.
Location. 33° 3.132′ N, 81° 6.052′ W. Marker is in Ehrhardt, South Carolina, in Bamberg County. Marker is on 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.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Battle of Rivers' Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Battle of Rivers' Bridge
this page online
Regarding Battle of Rivers' Bridge. In the upper left is a drawing of the fortifications, from the Library of Virginia. On the upper right is an illustration by Dan Bell showing Infantry "breastworks" typically consisted of a trench
with a breast-high, earthen parapet in front and a "head log" that provided additional cover. Troops in the breastworks could stop a head-on attack with devastating casting casualties. On the lower right is a map by Julie Elam showing Confederate infantry
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2008
2. Battle of Rivers' Bridge Dig In Marker, Right Flank earthen works
Photographed By Mike Stroud, April 2008
3. Map, Confederate Infantry "breastworks"
Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2008
4. The Narrow Road Leading Out Of A Thick Swamp
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 28, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,589 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 28, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
