“P” is for Pocotaligo, Battle of [October 22, 1862]. In the late fall of 1862 Union forces planned an operation to break the railway connections between Charleston and Savannah at the headwaters of the Broad river near the towns of Pocotaligo and Cossawhatchie. If the railroad could be cut and a base of operations established, Federal forces could then move overland against Charleston or Savannah. Initially, the Union force, guided by former slaves, attacked and overran Confederate defenders at Pocotaligo. A second force captured and burned Cossawhatchie. Confederate reinforcements arrived late in the afternoon and the Federal forces withdrew. Damage to the railroad was quickly repaired. Although elated by their initial success at Pocotaligo, there were no renewed plans for further Union operations. The Battle of Pocotaligo cost the Union 340 casualties, while the Confederates lost 163 men.
“P” is for Pocotaligo
