Red Banks Primitive Baptist Church - Greenville, NC
Posted by: 
ECPirates
N 35° 34.306 W 077° 20.445
18S E 287879 N 3938974
Church building that was burned by U.S. troops in 1863.
Waymark Code: WM5HA6
Location: North Carolina, United States
Date Posted: 01/08/2009
Views: 15
Text of the marker:
Federal expeditions frequently disrupted Confederate activities in late 1863. Union forces often assembled here at Red Banks Church because it was near Confederate camps. On December 17, 1863, a Federal attack near here on the camp of Co. H, 3rd North Carolina Calvary, resulted in the capture of thirty-five men.
Union Col. Joseph M. McChesney with detachments from his command, the 1st North Carolina Volunteers (U.S.), as well as the 12th New York Calvary and 23rd New York Artillery Battery, set the church afire on December 30. Nearby, Co. G, 3rd North Carolina Calvary (C.S.A.), learned of the fire and rode toward the church with a cannon and gun crew from Lt. Col. Joseph B. Starr's 13th Battalion, North Carolina Light Artillery (Starr's Battery). Soon, the Confedreates learned that The Federals had gotten behind them and turned back. Lt. James H. Myrover of Starr's Battery wrote, "they suddenly and unexpectedly met the enemy. ... The piece...was immediately brought into position. In a moment or two our calvary was retreating (and) it was impossible to fire the piece without killing our own men. ... The piece was surrounded (and) 4 men were taken prisoners." Confederate Lt. David C. Camp was killed.
A Federal report noted that "after a hand-to-hand conflict the enemy retired, leaving 1 lieutenant and 5 men dead, with 1 piece of Starr's fine battery, and caisson and horses. ... Our loss was 1 killed, 6 slightly wounded, 1 missing, and 3 horses disabled. ... Lieut. William K. Adams, of Company L, First North Carolina Volunteers, a gallant and dashing officer ... fell while making a charge at the head of his command."
Type of site: Church
Address:
Red Banks Rd
Greenville, NC USA
27835
Admission Charged: No Charge
Website: [Web Link]
Driving Directions:
Parking available beside CW Trails Marker.
Phone Number: Not listed
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