Battle of Averasborough

Battle of Averasborough Taylor's Hole Creek, Smithville, Smiths Ferry, Black River Began: March 16, 1865 Ended: Same day Location: Harnett and Cumberland Counties, North Carolina Theater: Western Theater Campaign: Carolinas Campaign Outcome: Inconclusive Combatants XX Corps XIV Corps Hardee's Corps Commanders Henry Slocum Major General, USA William Hardee Lieutenant General, CSA Strength 25,992 5,400 Casualties 682 865

On the afternoon of March 15, Judson Kilpatrick's cavalry came up against Lt. Gen. William Hardee's corps, consisting of Taliaferro's and McLaw's infantry divisions and Wheeler's dismounted cavalry 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. (NPS summary)