Battle of Simmon's Bluff

Other Names: None Location: City of Charleston Campaign: Operations against Charleston (June 1862) Date(s): June 21, 1862 Principal Commanders: Lt. A.C. Rhind [US]; Col.

James McCullough [CS]

Forces Engaged: Regiments

Estimated Casualties: None

Description: In June, the Federals besieging Charleston mounted an amphibious expedition to cut the Charleston & Savannah Railroad. On June 21, troops of the 55th Pennsylvania landed from the gunboat Crusader and transport Planter near Simmon’s Bluff on Wadmelaw Sound, surprising and burning an encampment of the 16th South Carolina Infantry. The Confederates scattered, and the Federals returned to their ships. Despite this minor victory, the Federals abandoned their raid on the railroad. Although a bloodless raid, this engagement typified scores of similar encounters that occurred along the South Carolina coastline.

Result(s): Union victory

CWSAC Reference #: SC003

Preservation Priority: III.4 (Class D)

The Battle of Simmon's Bluff was a minor and bloodless Union victory, fought June 21, 1862, near Charleston, South Carolina, during the American Civil War.

Union forces had laid siege to Charleston, which was being resupplied from a nearby railroad. Union forces were eager to capture the city, so they sent the 55th Pennsylvania Infantry regiment to sever the rail line. The 55th Pennsylvania departed by sea shortly before the battle in search of a place to land closer to the railroad. On June 21, the 55th Pennsylvania came ashore at Wadmelaw Sound. Union forces discovered an encampment of the 16th South Carolina Infantry regiment, and quickly razed the encampment and engaged the Confederate forces.[1] The Confederates scattered after the encampment was razed and were unable to launch an effective counterattack. There were no reports of injuries on either side. After the raid, the Union forces returned to their ships and abandoned their original objective, which was to interrupt the rail line to Charleston.