Sherman in South Carolina: The burning of McPhersonville. Sketch by WIlliam Waud in Harper's Weekly, 1865

The Carolinas Campaign was the final campaign in the Western Theater^[1] of the American Civil War. This article presents an overview of major military and naval operations in the Western Theater of the American Civil War. Causes of the war See also Origins of the American Civil War, Timeline of events leading to the American Civil War The coexistence of a slave-owning South In January 1865, Union Maj. Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman advanced north from Savannah, Georgia, through the Carolinas, with the intention of linking up with Union forces in Virginia. The Union Army was the army that fought for the Union during the American Civil War. Major General or Major-General is a Military rank used in many countries Savannah is a city located in the state of Georgia, United States. The Carolinas is a term used in the United States to refer collectively to the states of North and South Carolina. The Commonwealth of Virginia ( is an American state The defeat of Confederate Gen. Joseph E. Johnston's army at the Battle of Bentonville in March, and its surrender in April, represented the loss of the final major army of the Confederacy. The War Department was established by the Confederate Congress in an act on February 21, 1861. In the United States Army, United States Air Force, and United States Marine Corps, general is a four-star General officer rank Joseph Eggleston Johnston (February 3 1807 &ndash March 21 1891 was a career U The Battle of Bentonville was fought March 19 &ndash 21, 1865, in Bentonville North Carolina, near the current town of Four Oaks

Background and opposing forces

After Sherman captured Savannah, the culmination of his march to the sea, he was ordered by Union Army general-in-chief Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant to embark his army on ships to reinforce the Army of the Potomac and the Army of the James in Virginia, where Grant was bogged down in the Siege of Petersburg against Confederate General Robert E. Lee. Sherman's March to the Sea is the name commonly given to the Savannah Campaign conducted in late 1864 by Maj This article is about a United States military rank For other countries that use a similar rank see Lieutenant General. Ulysses S Grant, born Hiram Ulysses Grant (April 27 1822 &ndash July 23 1885 was an American general and the eighteenth President of the United States The Army of the Potomac was the major Union Army in the Eastern Theater of the American Civil War. The Army of the James was a Union Army that was composed of units from the Department of Virginia and North Carolina and served along the James River during the final The Richmond-Petersburg Campaign was a series of battles around Petersburg Virginia, fought from June 9, 1864, to March 25, 1865 Robert Edward Lee (January 19 1807 &ndash October 12 1870 was a career United States Army officer, an Engineer, and among the most celebrated Sherman had bigger things in mind. He predicted on January 5, 1865: "I do think that in the several grand epochs of this war, my name will have a prominent part. Events 1477 - Battle of Nancy: Charles the Bold is killed and Burgundy becomes part of France. Year 1865 ( MDCCCLXV) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year " He persuaded Grant that he should march north through the Carolinas instead, destroying everything of military value along the way, similar to his march to the sea through Georgia. The State of Georgia ( is a state in the United States and was one of the original Thirteen Colonies that revolted against British rule Sherman was particularly interested in targeting South Carolina, the first state to secede from the Union, for the effect it would have on Southern morale. South Carolina ( is a state in the southern region ( Deep South) of the United States of America. Secession (derived from the Latin term secessio is the act of withdrawing from an organization union or especially a political entity

Sherman's army commenced toward Columbia, South Carolina, in late January 1865. Columbia is the state capital and largest city in the US state of South Carolina. His 60,079 men were divided into three wings: the Army of the Tennessee, under Maj. The Army of the Tennessee was a Union army in the Western Theater of the American Civil War, named for the Tennessee River. Gen. Oliver O. Howard, the Army of the Ohio under Maj. Oliver Otis Howard ( November 8, 1830 &ndash October 26, 1909) was a career United States Army officer and a Union The Army of the Ohio was the name of two Union armies in the American Civil War. Gen. John M. Schofield, and two corps, the XIV and XX, under Maj. John McAllister Schofield (September 29 1831 &ndash March 4 1906 was an American soldier who held major commands during the American Civil War. XIV Corps was a Corps of the Union Army during the American Civil War. Two Corps of the Union Army were called XX Corps during the American Civil War. Gen. Henry W. Slocum, which was later formally designated the Army of Georgia. For the American tennis player see Henry Slocum (tennis Henry Warner Slocum ( September 24 1827 &ndash April 14 The Army of Georgia was a Union army that constituted the Left Wing of Major General William T Reinforcements arrived regularly during his march north, and by April 1 he commanded 88,948 men. Events 527 - Byzantine Emperor Justin I names his nephew Justinian I as co-ruler and successor to the throne ^[2]

Sherman's opponents on the Confederate side had considerably fewer men. The primary force in the Carolinas was the battered Army of Tennessee, again under the command of General Joseph E. The Army of Tennessee was the principal Confederate army operating between the Appalachian Mountains and the Mississippi River during the Johnston (who had been relieved of duty by Confederate President Jefferson Davis during the Atlanta Campaign against Sherman). The President of the Confederate States of America was the Head of State and Head of Government of the Confederate States of America, which was formed from Jefferson Finis Davis ( June 3, 1808 &ndash December 6, 1889) was an American politician who served as President of the The Atlanta Campaign was a series of battles fought in the Western Theater throughout northwest Georgia and the area around Atlanta Georgia, His strength was recorded in mid-March at 9,513 and 15,188 by mid-April. The army was organized into three corps, commanded by Lt. Gen. William J. Hardee, Lt. William Joseph Hardee ( October 12 1815 &ndash November 6 1873) was a career U Gen. Alexander P. Stewart, and Lt. Alexander Peter Stewart (October 2 1821 &ndash August 30 1908 was a career United States Army officer college professor and a general in the Confederate Gen. Stephen D. Lee. Stephen Dill Lee ( September 22, 1833 &ndash May 28, 1908) was the youngest lieutenant general in the Confederate States Army Also in the Carolinas were cavalry forces from the division of Maj. A division is a large Military unit or formation usually consisting of around ten to thirty thousand soldiers Gen. Wade Hampton and a small number in Wilmington under Gen. Wade Hampton III ( March 28, 1818 April 11, 1902) was a Confederate Cavalry leader during the American Civil War Wilmington is a city in and the County seat of New Hanover County, North Carolina, United States. Braxton Bragg. Braxton Bragg (March 22 1817 &ndash September 27 1876 was a career United States Army officer and then a General in the Confederate States Army, a

Sherman's plan was to bypass the minor Confederate troop concentrations at Augusta, Georgia, and Charleston, South Carolina, and reach Goldsboro, North Carolina, by March 15. Augusta Georgia is a city in Richmond County, Georgia, United States. Charleston is a city in Charleston county in the US state of South Carolina. Goldsboro is a city in Wayne County, North Carolina, United States. Events 44 BC - Julius Caesar, Dictator of the Roman Republic, is stabbed to death by Marcus Junius Brutus, As with his Georgia operations, Sherman marched his armies in multiple directions simultaneously, confusing the scattered Confederate defenders as to his first true objective, which was the state capital of Columbia.

Battles

Movements in Carolinas Campaign

The following battles were fought in the Carolinas Campaign.

Battle of Rivers' Bridge (February 3, 1865)

The Confederate division of Maj. The Battle of Rivers' Bridge, also known as Salkehatchie River, Hickory Hill, Owen's Crossroads, Lawtonville, and Duck Creek, Events 1112 - Ramon Berenguer III of Barcelona and Douce I of Provence marry uniting the fortunes of those two states Year 1865 ( MDCCCLXV) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year Gen. Lafayette McLaws attempted to prevent the crossing of the Salkehatchie River by the right wing of Sherman's army. Lafayette McLaws ( January 15, 1821 &ndash July 24, 1897) was a U The Salkehatchie River originates near the City of Barnwell South Carolina and accepts drainage from Turkey Creek and Whippy Swamp before merging with the Little Salkehatchie The Union division under Maj. Gen. Francis P. Blair (Howard's army) crossed the river and assaulted McLaws's flank. Francis Preston Blair Sr ( April 12, 1791 – October 18, 1876) was an American journalist and politician McLaws withdrew to Branchville, causing only one day's delay in the Union advance. } Branchville is a town in Orangeburg County, South Carolina, United States.

On February 17, Columbia surrendered to Sherman, and Hampton's cavalry retreated from the city. Events 1500 - Battle of Hemmingstedt. 1600 - Philosopher Giordano Bruno is burned alive at Campo de' Fiori Union forces were overwhelmed by throngs of liberated Federal prisoners and emancipated African Americans. African Americans or Black Americans are citizens or residents of the United States who have origins in any of the black populations of Africa Many soldiers took advantage of ample supplies of liquor in the city and began to drink. Fires began in the city, and high winds spread the flames across a wide area. Most of the central city was destroyed, and the city's fire companies found it difficult to operate in conjunction with the invading Union army, many of whom were also trying to put out the fire. The burning of Columbia has engendered controversy ever since, with some claiming the fires were accidental, others stating they were a deliberate act of vengeance, and others claiming that the fires were set by retreating Confederate soldiers who lit bales of cotton on their way out of town. On that same day, the Confederates evacuated Charleston. On February 18, Sherman's forces destroyed virtually anything of military value in Columbia, including railroad depots, warehouses, arsenals, and machine shops. Events 3102 BC - Epoch (origin of the Kali Yuga. 1229 - The Sixth Crusade: Frederick II Holy On February 22, Wilmington surrendered. Events 1495 - King Charles VIII of France enters Naples to claim the city's throne

Battle of Wyse Fork (March 7 – March 10)

Schofield planned to advance inland from Wilmington in February. The Battle of Wyse Fork was a battle fought in the Carolinas Campaign of the American Civil War, resulting in a Union Army victory Events 161 - Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius dies and is succeeded by co-Emperors Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus Events 241 BC - First Punic War: Battle of the Aegates Islands - The Romans sink the Carthaginian fleet bringing At the same time, he assigned Maj. Gen. Jacob D. Cox to direct Union forces from New Bern toward Goldsboro. Jacob Dolson Cox (Jr ( October 27, 1828 August 4, 1900) was a lawyer a Union Army general during the American Civil War On March 7, Cox’s advance was stopped by divisions under Gen. Events 161 - Roman Emperor Antoninus Pius dies and is succeeded by co-Emperors Marcus Aurelius and Lucius Verus Braxton Bragg’s command at Southwest Creek south of Kinston, North Carolina. Kinston is a city in Lenoir County, North Carolina, United States. On March 8, the Confederates attempted to seize the initiative by attacking the Union flanks. Events 1618 - Johannes Kepler discovers the third law of planetary motion. After initial success, their attacks stalled because of faulty communications. On March 9, the Union forces were reinforced and beat back Bragg’s renewed attacks on March 10 after heavy fighting. Events 590 - Bahram Chobin is crowned as king Barham VI of Persia. Events 241 BC - First Punic War: Battle of the Aegates Islands - The Romans sink the Carthaginian fleet bringing Bragg withdrew across the Neuse River and was unable to prevent the fall of Kinston on March 14. The Neuse River is a major permanent stream rising in the piedmont of North Carolina, emptying into the Pamlico Sound below New Bern. Events 1489 - The Queen of Cyprus, Catherine Cornaro, sells her kingdom to Venice.

Battle of Monroe's Cross Roads (March 10)

As Sherman’s army advanced into North Carolina, Maj. The Battle of Monroe’s Crossroads (also known as the Battle of Fayetteville Road, and colloquially in the North as Kilpatrick's Shirttail Skedaddle) was a battle Events 241 BC - First Punic War: Battle of the Aegates Islands - The Romans sink the Carthaginian fleet bringing Gen. Judson Kilpatrick’s Cavalry Division screened its left flank. Hugh Judson Kilpatrick ( January 14, 1836 &ndash December 4, 1881) was an officer in the Union Army during the American On the evening of March 9, two of Kilpatrick’s brigades encamped near the Charles Monroe House in Cumberland (now Hoke) County. Events 590 - Bahram Chobin is crowned as king Barham VI of Persia. Hoke County is a County in the US state of North Carolina. It is part of the Fayetteville North Carolina Metropolitan Statistical Area Early on March 10, Hampton's Confederate cavalry surprised the Federals in their camps, driving them back in confusion and capturing wagons and artillery. Events 241 BC - First Punic War: Battle of the Aegates Islands - The Romans sink the Carthaginian fleet bringing The Federals regrouped and counterattacked, regaining their artillery and camps after a desperate fight. With Union reinforcements on the way, the Confederates withdrew.

Battle of Averasborough (March 16)

On the afternoon of March 15, Kilpatrick’s cavalry came up against Hardee’s corps deployed across the Raleigh Road near Smithville. The Battle of Averasborough, fought March 16, 1865, in Harnett and Cumberland counties, North Carolina, as part of the Carolinas Events 597 BC - Babylonians capture Jerusalem, replace Jehoiachin with Zedekiah as king Events 44 BC - Julius Caesar, Dictator of the Roman Republic, is stabbed to death by Marcus Junius Brutus, After feeling out the Confederate defenses, Kilpatrick withdrew and called for infantry support. During the night, four divisions of the XX Corps arrived to confront the Confederates. At dawn, March 16, the Federals advanced on a division front, driving back skirmishers, but they were stopped by the main Confederate line and a counterattack. Events 597 BC - Babylonians capture Jerusalem, replace Jehoiachin with Zedekiah as king Mid-morning, the Federals renewed their advance with strong reinforcements and drove the Confederates from two lines of works, but they were repulsed at a third line. Late afternoon, the Union XIV Corps began to arrive on the field but was unable to deploy before dark because of the swampy ground. Hardee retreated during the night after holding up the Union advance for nearly two days.

Battle of Bentonville (March 19 – March 21)

While Slocum’s advance was stalled at Averasborough by Hardee’s troops, the right wing of Sherman’s army under Howard marched toward Goldsboro. The Battle of Bentonville was fought March 19 &ndash 21, 1865, in Bentonville North Carolina, near the current town of Four Oaks Events 1279 - A Mongolian victory in the Battle of Yamen ends the Song Dynasty in China. Events 630 - Byzantine emperor Heraclius restores the True Cross to Jerusalem. On March 19, Slocum encountered the entrenched Confederates of Gen. Events 1279 - A Mongolian victory in the Battle of Yamen ends the Song Dynasty in China. Joseph E. Johnston who had concentrated to meet his advance at Bentonville. Johnston had increased his forces to about 21,000 men by absorbing the troops under Bragg who had abandoned Wilmington. Late afternoon, Johnston attacked, crushing the line of the XIV Corps. Only strong counterattacks and desperate fighting south of the Goldsborough Road blunted the Confederate offensive. Elements of the XX Corps were thrown into the action as they arrived on the field. Five Confederate attacks failed to dislodge the Federal defenders, and darkness ended the first day’s fighting. During the night, Johnston contracted his line into a "V" to protect his flanks with Mill Creek to his rear. On March 20, Slocum was heavily reinforced, but fighting was sporadic. Events 1600 - The Linköping Bloodbath takes place on Maundy Thursday in Linköping, Sweden. Sherman was inclined to let Johnston retreat. On March 21, however, Johnston remained in position while he removed his wounded. Events 630 - Byzantine emperor Heraclius restores the True Cross to Jerusalem. Skirmishing heated up along the entire front. In the afternoon, Maj. Gen. Joseph Mower led his Union division along a narrow trace that carried it across Mill Creek into Johnston’s rear. Joseph Anthony Mower ( August 22, 1827 &ndash January 6, 1870) was a Union general during the American Civil War. Confederate counterattacks stopped Mower’s advance, saving the army’s only line of communication and retreat. Mower withdrew, ending fighting for the day. During the night, Johnston retreated across the bridge at Bentonville. Union forces pursued at first light, driving back Wheeler’s rearguard and saving the bridge. Federal pursuit was halted at Hannah’s Creek after a severe skirmish. Sherman, after regrouping at Goldsboro, pursued Johnston toward Raleigh. Raleigh (pronounced rah-lee) is the Capital of the State of North Carolina and the county seat of Wake County, USA

Aftermath

Sherman's Carolina Campaign, in which his troops marched 425 miles (684 km) in 50 days, had been similar to his march to the sea through Georgia, although physically more demanding. However, the Confederate forces opposing him were much smaller and more dispirited. When Joseph E. Johnston met with Jefferson Davis in Greensboro in mid-April, he told the Confederate president:

Our people are tired of the war, feel themselves whipped, and will not fight. Jefferson Finis Davis ( June 3, 1808 &ndash December 6, 1889) was an American politician who served as President of the Our country is overrun, its military resources greatly diminished, while the enemy's military power and resources were never greater and may be increased to any extent desired. . . . My small force is melting away like snow before the sun.

On April 18, three days after the death of President Abraham Lincoln, Johnston signed an armistice with Sherman at Bennett Place, a farmhouse near Durham Station. Events 1025 - Bolesław Chrobry is crowned in Gniezno, becoming the first King of Poland. The President of the United States is the Head of state and Head of government of the United States and is the highest political official in United States by Abraham Lincoln (February 12 1809 &ndash April 15 1865 the sixteenth President of the United States, successfully led his country through its greatest internal An armistice is a situation where the warring parties agree to stop fighting Bennett Place, the more well known name for the Farmhouse in Durham, North Carolina, owned by James and Nancy Bennett (alternatively Bennitt was Durham is a city in the US state of North Carolina. It is the County seat of Durham County Sherman got himself into political hot water by offering terms of surrender to Johnston that encompassed political issues as well as military, without authorization from General Grant or the United States government. The confusion on this issue lasted until April 26, when Johnston agreed to purely military terms and formally surrendered his army and all Confederate forces in the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Events 1467 - The miraculous image in Our Lady of Good Counsel appear in Genazzano, Italy. Florida ( is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States, bordering Alabama to the northwest and Georgia to the It was the second significant surrender that month; on April 9, Robert E. Events 193 - Septimius Severus is proclaimed Roman Emperor by the army in Illyricum (in the Balkans) Lee had surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia at Appomattox Court House. The Army of Northern Virginia was the primary military force of the Confederate States of America in the Eastern Theater of the American Civil War. Appomattox Court House is a village located three miles (5 km east of Appomattox, Virginia, USA (25 miles east of Lynchburg Virginia, in the It was the virtual end for the Confederacy, although some smaller forces held out, particularly in the Trans-Mississippi region, into the summer. The Trans-Mississippi Theater of the American Civil War was the major military and naval operations west of the Mississippi River.

References

• Eicher, David J. , The Longest Night: A Military History of the Civil War, Simon & Schuster, 2001, ISBN 0-684-84944-5.
• National Park Service battle descriptions for the Carolinas Campaign

Notes

External links

• Bennett Place