Battle of Honey Hill
Honey Hill, South Carolina, USA
What happened
A Union force under John P. Hatch, including U.S. Colored Troops and the 54th and 55th Massachusetts, fought Confederates commanded by Charles J. Colcock. Hatch's troops sailed up the Broad River to cut the Charleston and Savannah Railroad. Fog, bad maps and confused guides slowed them, and at Honey Hill they met Confederates dug in across the road with seven cannons. The Union attacks failed, and Hatch withdrew to his ships after dark.
Why it matters
The raid was meant to help Sherman's army, which was expected to reach Savannah, by cutting the railroad. It failed to do so.
What came next
Several Union soldiers later received the Medal of Honor for the battle, including Corporal Andrew J. Smith in 2001.
Did you know?
Confederate general Gustavus W. Smith outranked Colcock but let him command because Colcock knew the ground better.
Timeline
- 18 Jul 1863The 54th Massachusetts leads the attack on Fort Wagner.
- 30 Nov 1864Battle of Honey Hill.
- 2001Corporal Andrew J. Smith is awarded the Medal of Honor.