Skirmish at Paint Rock Bridge explained

Conflict:Skirmish at Paint Rock Bridge
Partof:the American Civil War
Date:April 28, 1862
Place:Jackson County, Alabama
Result:Union victory
Combatant1: United States (Union)
Combatant2: CSA (Confederacy)
Commander1:Ormsby M. Mitchel
Commander2:Danville Leadbetter
Strength1:27
Strength2:250
Casualties1:7 Killed
Casualties2:7 Killed, 1 wounded
Map Type:Alabama#USA
Map Size:300
Map Label:Skirmish

The Skirmish at Paint Rock Bridge was an action fought between a Union Army detachment of 27 men guarding a bridge near Woodville, Alabama and a Confederate States Army cavalry detachment intent on destroying the railroad bridge on April 28, 1862, during the American Civil War. Union Army brigade commander Colonel Joshua W. Sill reported that the men from the 10th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment, commanded by Colonel Arnold R. Chapin, who were under the immediate command of Sergeant William Nelson[1] and Sergeant Augustus H. Makimson held off the Confederate force of 250 men for over two hours and killed 7 Confederates and captured 1 wounded Confederate soldier who told the Union men of the Confederate numbers and casualties. The action resulted in the Union maintaining control of an intact railroad line through the area.[2] [3]

Notes and References

  1. A William Nelson (Wisconsin), a Wisconsin state senator after the Civil War, served in the Union Army.
  2. Web site: Alabama Civil War Battles. The Civil War. National Park Service. February 7, 2015. July 3, 2015.
  3. https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A2001.05.0057%3Achapter%3D35 Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies, Chapter XXII: Operations in Kentucky, Tennessee, North Mississippi, North Alabama, and Southwest Virginia. March 4-June 10, 1862.