A Short Fight

Gen George Dibrell

As the Civil War wore down the Battle of Congaree Creek was fought February 15^th 1865 in Richland County, South Carolina.

The Battle of Congaree Creek fought February 15^th 1865 just south of Columbia in Richland County, South Carolina, lasted just four hours.  It was fought between a force of the Confederate and Union’s Army of Tennessee.  The two side meet along an earthwork built near the Old State Road Bridge where it crosses the Congaree Creek.

Confederate General George Dibrell manned the earthworks with artillery, infantry and dismounted cavalry.  Union General Charles Woods, commanding the First Division of the XV Corps, pushed out skirmishers along the front, while he sent a brigade upstream to try to turn the Confederates right flank.  Dibrell was forced to pull out of the earthworks.  He retreated to Columbia, but not before setting the Old State Road Bridge on fire.

The Union troops were able to put the fire out on the bridge.  Union General William T Sherman advance and on February 17^th 1865 the city of Columbia surrendered to him.

If you would like to read more, check out The Battle of Congaree Creek