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. Union Major General William Tecumseh Sherman advanced north from Savannah, Georgia, in January 1865, through the Carolinas, with the intention of linking up with Union forces in Virginia. The defeat of Confederate General 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. Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1536x864, 244 KB) Summary Library of Congress TITLE: [Shermans march through South Carolina - Burning of McPhersonville] CALL NUMBER: DRWG/US - Waud (W.), no. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (1536x864, 244 KB) Summary Library of Congress TITLE: [Shermans march through South Carolina - Burning of McPhersonville] CALL NUMBER: DRWG/US - Waud (W.), no. ... The American Civil War (1861–1865) was fought in North America within the United States of America, between twenty-four mostly northern states of the Union and the Confederate States of America, a coalition of eleven southern states that declared their independence and claimed the right of secession from the... The 21st Michigan Infantry, a company of Shermans veterans. ... Insignia of a United States Air Force Major General German Generalmajor Insignia Major General is a military rank used in many countries. ... Portrait of William Tecumseh Sherman by Mathew Brady William Tecumseh Sherman (February 8, 1820 – February 14, 1891) was an American soldier, businessman, and author. ... Nickname: The Coastal Empire or The Hostess City Motto: {{{motto}}} Official website: Savannah, Georgia Location Government County Chatham Mayor Otis S. Johnson Geographical characteristics Area 202. ... 1865 is a common year starting on Sunday. ... The Carolinas is a collective term used in the United States to refer to the states of North and South Carolina together. ... State nickname: Old Dominion Official languages English Capital Richmond Largest city Virginia Beach Governor Mark R. Warner (D) Tim Kaine (D-Governor Elect) Senators John Warner (R) George Allen (R) Area  - Total  - % water Ranked 35th 110,862 km² 7. ... Some Confederate soldiers The Confederate States Army (CSA) was formed in February, 1861, to defend the Confederate States of America, which had itself been formed that same year when seven southern states seceded from the United States (with four more to follow). ... General is a high military rank, used by nearly every country in the world. ... Joseph E. Johnston Joseph Eggleston Johnston (February 3, 1807 – March 21, 1891) was a career U.S. Army officer and one of the most senior generals in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. ... The Battle of Bentonville was the last major battle between the armies of William T. Sherman and Joseph E. Johnston during the American Civil War. ...

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 Lieutenant General 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 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." 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. 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. Engraving depicting Shermans March Shermans March to the Sea is the name commonly given to a military campaign conducted in late 1864 by Major General William T. Sherman of the Union Army during the American Civil War. ... Lieutenant General is a military rank used in many countries. ... Ulysses Simpson Grant (April 27, 1822 – July 23, 1885) was the 18th President of the United States (1869–1877). ... Generals Burnside, Hancock, Couch, Ferro, Patrick, Wilcox, Cochrane, Buford and others. ... The Army of the James was a Union Army that was composed of unites from the Department of Virginia and North Carolina and served along the James River during the last opperations of the Civil War in Virginia. ... The Siege of Petersburg (June 15, 1864 – April 2, 1865) was a ten-month long siege of Petersburg, Virginia, during the American Civil War. ... Robert Edward Lee, as a U.S. Army Colonel before the Civil War Robert Edward Lee (January 19, 1807 – October 12, 1870) was a career army officer and the most successful general of the Confederate forces during the American Civil War. ... January 5 is the 5th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... 1865 is a common year starting on Sunday. ... State nickname: Palmetto State Official languages English Capital Columbia Largest city Columbia Governor Mark Sanford (R) Senators Lindsey Graham (R) Jim DeMint (R) Area  - Total  - % water Ranked 40th 82,965 km² 6 Population  - Total (2000)  - Density Ranked 26th 4,012,012 51. ... The examples and perspective in this article do not represent a worldwide view. ...

Sherman's army commenced toward Columbia, South Carolina, in late January 1865. His 60,079 men were divided into three wings: the Army of the Tennessee, under Major General Oliver O. Howard, the Army of the Ohio under Maj. Gen. John M. Schofield, and two corps, the XIV and XX, under Maj. Gen. Henry W. Slocum, which would be later formally designated the Army of Georgia. Reinforcements arrived regularly during his march north and by April 1 he commanded 88,948 men. Columbia skyline as seen from Greystone Boulevard Motto: Where Friendliness Flows Nickname: The Capital of Southern Hospitality Founded March 22, 1786 Incorporated 1854 County Richland and part of Lexington Borough {{{borough}}} Parrish {{{parrish}}} Mayor Bob Coble Area  - Total  - Water 324. ... The Army of the Tennessee was a Union army in the American Civil War, named for the Tennessee River. ... Insignia of a United States Air Force Major General German Generalmajor Insignia Major General is a military rank used in many countries. ... Portrait of Oliver O. Howard by Mathew Brady, ca. ... The Army of the Ohio was the name of two Union armies in the American Civil War. ... For John Schofield, the recipient of a Victoria Cross see John Schofield (VC). ... 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. ... Portrait of General Henry W. Slocum by Mathew Brady, ca. ... The Army of Georgia was a Union army that constituted the Left Wing of William T. Shermans Army Group during the March to the Sea and the Carolinas campaign. ... April 1 is the 91st day of the year (92nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar, with 274 days remaining. ...

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. Johnston (who had been relieved of duty by Confederate President Jefferson Davis during the Atlanta Campaign against Sherman). His strength was recorded in mid-March at 9,513 and only 15,188 by mid-April. The army was organized into three corps, commanded by Lt. Gen. William J. Hardee, Lt. Gen. Alexander P. Stewart, and Lt. Gen. Stephen D. Lee. Also in the Carolinas were cavalry forces from the division of Maj. Gen. Wade Hampton and a small number in Wilmington under Gen. Braxton Bragg. The Army of Tennessee was formed in November 1862. ... The President of the Confederate States was the Head of State of the short-lived republic of the Confederate States of America which seceded from the United States. ... Jefferson Davis (June 3, 1808–December 6, 1889) was an American soldier and politician, most famous for serving as the first and only President of the Confederate States, leading the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War. ... Palisades and chevaux-de-frise in front of the Potter House, Atlanta, Georgia, 1864. ... William J. Hardee (1817-1873) was a Confederate general in the American Civil War. ... Alexander Peter Stewart (October 2, 1821 – August 30, 1908) was a U.S. Army officer, college professor, general in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War, and the Chancellor of the University of Mississippi. ... Stephen D. Lee (1833‑1908) was a Confederate general. ... A division is a large military unit or formation usually consisting of around ten to fifteen thousand soldiers. ... Wade Hampton III during the Civil War Wade Hampton III (March 28, 1818 – April 11, 1902) was a Confederate cavalry leader during the American Civil War and afterwards a politician from South Carolina, representing it as governor and U.S. Senator. ... For other places called Wilmington, see Wilmington Wilmington is a city located in New Hanover County, North Carolina. ... Braxton Bragg Braxton Bragg (March 22, 1817 – September 27, 1876) was a career U.S. Army officer and a general in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. ...

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. 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, Columbia. Augusta is a city located in the state of Georgia. ... Charleston, South Carolinas oldest city Motto: Aedes Mores Juraque Curat Nickname: The Holy City, The Palmetto City Founded 1670 Incorporated County Berkeley and Charleston Counties Borough {{{borough}}} Parrish {{{parrish}}} Mayor Joseph P. Riley, Jr. ... Goldsboro is a city located in Wayne County, North Carolina. ... March 15 is the 74th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (75th in Leap years). ...

Battles

Movements in Carolinas Campaign

The following battles were fought in the Carolinas Campaign. Image File history File links Download high resolution version (2304x2932, 734 KB) Summary Drawn by Hal Jespersen in Macromedia Freehand. ... Image File history File links Download high resolution version (2304x2932, 734 KB) Summary Drawn by Hal Jespersen in Macromedia Freehand. ...

Battle of Rivers' Bridge (February 3, 1865)

The Confederate division of Maj. Gen. Lafayette McLaws attempted to prevent the crossing of the Salkehatchie River by the right wing of Sherman's army. The Union division under Maj. Gen. Francis P. Blair (Howard's army) crossed the river and assaulted McLaws's flank. McLaws withdrew to Branchville, causing only one day's delay in the Union advance.

On February 17, Columbia surrendered to Sherman and Hampton's cavalry retreated from the city. Union forces were overwhelmed by throngs of liberated Federal prisoners and emancipated African Americans. 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 amongst the drunken Union soldiers, who offered no assistance. The burning of Columbia has engendered controversy ever since, with some claiming the fires were accidental, others a deliberate act of vengeance. 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. On February 22, Wilmington surrendered.

Battle of Wyse Fork (March 7–10, 1865)

Schofield planned to advance inland from Wilmington in February, at the same time assigning Maj. Gen. Jacob D. Cox to direct Union forces from New Bern toward Goldsboro. On March 7, Cox’s advance was stopped by divisions under Gen. Braxton Bragg’s command at Southwest Creek below Kinston. On March 8, the Confederates attempted to seize the initiative by attacking the Union flanks. 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. Bragg withdrew across the Neuse River and was unable to prevent the fall of Kinston on March 14.

Battle of Monroe's Cross Roads (March 10, 1865)

As Sherman’s army advanced into North Carolina, Maj. Gen. Judson Kilpatrick’s Cavalry Division screened its left flank. On the evening of March 9, two of Kilpatrick’s brigades encamped near the Charles Monroe House in Cumberland (now Hoke) County. Early on March 10, Hampton's Confederate cavalry surprised the Federals in their camps, driving them back in confusion and capturing wagons and artillery. 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, 1865)

On the afternoon of March 15, Kilpatrick’s cavalry came up against Hardee’s corps deployed across the Raleigh Road near Smithville. 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. Mid-morning, the Federals renewed their advance with strong reinforcements and drove the Confederates from two lines of works, but 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 due to the swampy ground. Hardee retreated during the night after holding up the Union advance for nearly two days.

Battle of Bentonville (March 19–21, 1865)

While Slocum’s advance was stalled at Averasborough by Hardee’s troops, the right wing of Sherman’s army under Howard marched toward Goldsboro. On March 19, Slocum encountered the entrenched Confederates of Gen. 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. Sherman was inclined to let Johnston retreat. On March 21, however, Johnston remained in position while he removed his wounded. 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. 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.

February 3 is the 34th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... 1865 is a common year starting on Sunday. ... Lafayette McLaws Lafayette McLaws ( January 15, 1821 – July 24, 1897) was a U.S. Army officer and a Confederate general in the American Civil War. ... Francis Preston Blair (April 12, 1791 – October 18, 1876), American journalist and politician, was born at Abingdon, Virginia. ... Branchville is a town located in Orangeburg County, South Carolina. ... February 17 is the 48th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... February 18 is the 49th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... February 22 is the 53rd day of every year in the Gregorian Calendar. ... Combatants United States of America Confederate States of America Commanders Jacob D. Cox Braxton Bragg Strength 12,000 8,500 Casualties 1,101 1,500 The Battle of Wyse Fork was a battle fought in the Carolinas Campaign of the American Civil War that resulted in a victory for the... March 7 is the 66th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (67th in Leap years). ... March 10 is the 69th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (70th in Leap years). ... 1865 is a common year starting on Sunday. ... For other places called Wilmington, see Wilmington Wilmington is a city located in New Hanover County, North Carolina. ... Jacob Dolson Cox (October 27, 1828 - August 4, 1900) was an officer in the Union Army during the Civil War and later a Republican politician from Ohio. ... New Bern is a city located in Craven County, North Carolina where the Trent River and the Neuse River converge. ... March 7 is the 66th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (67th in Leap years). ... Kinston is a city located in Lenoir County, North Carolina. ... March 8 poster from Portugal March 8 is the 67th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (68th in Leap years). ... March 9 is the 68th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (69th in Leap years). ... March 10 is the 69th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (70th in Leap years). ... A bridge over the Neuse River. ... March 14 is the 73rd day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (74th in Leap years) with 292 days remaining in the year. ... March 10 is the 69th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (70th in Leap years). ... 1865 is a common year starting on Sunday. ... Hugh Judson Kilpatrick (1836-1881) Hugh Judson Kilpatrick (14 January 1836 near Deckertown, New Jersey – 4 December 1881 in Santiago, Chile) was a officer in the Union army during the American Civil War achieving the rank of Brevet Major General, the United States Minister to Chile, and a failed political... March 9 is the 68th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (69th in Leap years). ... March 10 is the 69th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (70th in Leap years). ... Battle of Averasborough Conflict American Civil War Date March 16, 1865 Place Harnett County and Cumberland County, North Carolina Result Inconclusive The Battle of Averasborough was a prelude to the Battle of Bentonville three days later. ... March 16 is the 75th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (76th in Leap years). ... 1865 is a common year starting on Sunday. ... March 15 is the 74th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (75th in Leap years). ... March 16 is the 75th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (76th in Leap years). ... The Battle of Bentonville was the last major battle between the armies of William T. Sherman and Joseph E. Johnston during the American Civil War. ... March 19 is the 78th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (79th in leap years). ... March 21 is the 80th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (81st in leap years). ... 1865 is a common year starting on Sunday. ... March 19 is the 78th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (79th in leap years). ... March 20 is the 79th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (80th in Leap years). ... March 21 is the 80th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (81st in leap years). ... Downtown Raleigh Skyline Raleigh is the capital of North Carolina, a state of the United States of America. ...

Aftermath

Sherman's Carolina Campaign, in which his troops marched 425 miles 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. 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. 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. It was the second significant surrender that month; on April 9, Robert E. Lee had surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia at Appomattox Court House. It was the virtual end for the Confederacy, although some smaller forces would hold out, particularly in the Trans-Mississippi region, into the summer. April 18 is the 108th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (109th in leap years). ... The President of the United States (unofficially abbreviated “POTUS”) is the head of state of the United States. ... Abraham Lincoln (February 12, 1809 – April 15, 1865), sometimes called Abe Lincoln and nicknamed Honest Abe, the Rail Splitter, and the Great Emancipator, was the 16th President of the United States (1861 to 1865), and the first president from the Republican Party. ... Nickname: City of Medicine Motto: {{{motto}}} Official website: http://www. ... April 26 is the 116th day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar (117th in leap years). ... April 9 is the 99th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (100th in leap years). ... The Army of Northern Virginia was the primary military force of the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War in the eastern theater. ... McLean house where General Lee surrendered. ...

Notes

1. ^  Although the campaign took place entirely in states on the Eastern Seaboard of the United States, it is considered part of the Western Theater because it was a continuation of an offensive by the western armies under Sherman, starting in Tennessee the year before.

Regional definitions vary from source to source. ... State nickname: Volunteer State Official languages English Capital Nashville Largest city Memphis Governor Phil Bredesen (D) Senators Bill Frist (R) Lamar Alexander (R) Area  - Total  - % water Ranked 36th 109,247 km² 2. ...

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

External links

• Bennett Place