Battle of New Bern: Thousands of Federal Troops Charge - Civil War Discovery Trail Sites on Waymarking.com

Above: Branch, left; Burnside, right

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On March 13, 1862, Union Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside prepared to capture New Bern after seizing Roanoke Island in February. Lawrence O'Bryan Branch, defended the city in a line of fortifications that extended about a mile from Fort Thompson on the Neuse River to the railroad tracks about 350 yards south of here. To the right of the tracks, in the low ground ground about 200 years away, engineers dammed the stream to create a 30 to 40 inch deep swamp to thwart an assault without building and manning additional fortifications. When Branch learned that Burnside had captured Roanoke Island by attacking through a similar swamp, however, he quickly ordered the 26th North Carolina Infantry to fortify the fingers of land on this side of the flooded area. These earthworks remain in pristine condition.

The next day, Burnside made a frontal assault on Fort Thompson and the Confederate breastworks, but deadly accurate rifle and cannon fire prevented the Federals from advancing to within 300 yards. The Union commanders then focused on the gap created by the setback in the Confederate line here. Thousands of Federal soldiers charged down the western side of the railroad track in an attempt to flank the Confederate battle line. The 33rd North Carolina Infantry, held in reserve close to this spot, counter-charged to close the gap. Despite this effort, the Federals flanked the Confederate line, assuring a Union victory. The 26th North Carolina fought for another two hours, but finally retired across Brice's Creek and retreated to Kinston.

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Type of site: Battlefield Admission Charged: No Charge Website: [Web Link] Driving Directions: Follow sign from U.S. 70 on Taberna Way. Address: Not listed Phone Number: Not listed

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