“P” is for Pocotaligo, Battle of [October 22, 1862]. In the fall of 1862, the Union commander of the Department of the South, General McNight Mitchell, planned an operation to break the railroad connections between Charleston and Savannah. If the railroad could be cut and a base of operations established, then the Federals could mover overland against Charleston or Savannah. He chose a site at the headwaters of the Broad River near the towns of Pocotaligo and Cossawhatchie. The Federals attacked both towns but were eventually repulsed by reinforced Confederate forces. The invaders had destroyed some railroad track, but the damage was quickly repaired. General Mitchell was elated at the initial success, but before he could order a new attack he died and plans for renewed operations against the railroad at Pocotaligo were shelved.
“P” is for Pocotaligo, Battle of [October 22, 1862]
