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 - Attack! Marker

Inscription. Attack!
Gen. Joseph A. Mower's Union division advanced rapidly to Rivers Bridge on the afternoon of Feb. 2 and charged down a narrow causeway. Confederate cannon fire stopped the attack and forced the Yankees to take cover in the cold swamp. The battle was on, pitting 7,000 to 9,000 Union soldiers against 700 to 800 Confederates. Even after reinforcements arrived, the Confederates were still outnumbered more than eight to one.

"The enemy swarmed in great numbers to the edge of the swamp, but our field pieces swept the road and our sharpshooters checked the movement through the swamp."
-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° 3.235′ N, 81° 6.112′ W. Marker is in Ehrhardt, South Carolina, in Bamberg County. Marker 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.

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

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(within shouting 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 (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Battle of Rivers' Bridge (about 700 feet away); a different marker also named Battle of Rivers' Bridge (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Battle of Rivers' Bridge (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Battle of Rivers' Bridge (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ehrhardt.

Regarding Battle of Rivers' Bridge. On the upper center is a portrait of Gen. Joseph A. Mower commanded the 1st Division, 17th Army Corps, in the attack on Rivers Bridge. On the right is a drawing of the Federal crossing: Being cold and wet was preferable to getting shot. "We ran across the road and plunged into the swamp so quick that they had no time to shoot us," wrote Pvt. Franklin Lesh of the 63rd Ohio Infantry. from the Francis A. Lord Civil War Collection, Thomas

One time Bridge at the Salkehatchie, Rivers' Bridge image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Mike Stroud, 2008

2. One time Bridge at the Salkehatchie, Rivers' Bridge

Cooper Library, University of South Carolina.

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 1,499 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 29, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.