Averasborough
Other Names: Taylor’s Hole Creek, Smithville, Smiths
Ferry, Black
River
Location: Harnett County and Cumberland County
Campaign: Campaign of the Carolinas (February-April 1865)
Date(s): March 16, 1865
Principal Commanders: Maj. Gen. Henry Slocum [US]; Lt.
Gen. William Hardee [CS]
Forces Engaged: XX Corps and XIV Corps (25,992)
[US]; Hardee’s Corps (5,400) [CS]
Estimated Casualties: 1,419 total
Description: 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.
Result(s): Inconclusive
CWSAC Reference #: NC019
Preservation Priority: III.3 (Class C)