The Battle at Broxton Bridge

We drove over to Ehrhardt about an hour away to watch a battle reenactment of the Battle of Broxton Bridge.   During the War Between the States in 1865, the Union (northern) forces burned and destroyed Atlanta, Georgia, then made their way to Savannah doing the same.   As they moved forward into South Carolina on their way to Columbia they met up with  a small group of the Rebel (Southern) army as the crossed the Salkehatchie River.    Of course the Union army moved on to burn Columbia and then on to Virginia where the war ended later in 1865.  The battle was in early spring and each year the reenactors have a three day weekend of living history. On Friday, the event is open to for schools to bring the third grade classes for a field trip.  Glad we missed that part as one of the docents said there must have been 1000 kids there.     It was interesting that at this site, the original bunkers built by the Southern militia were still there along the river.  It is hard to imagine the army moving through this swampy area next to the river.     We really enjoyed the afternoon with the militia, the cavalry riders on their horses and visiting the tent camps for each army.   The horses are so well trained not to run at the fake gunshots and cannon fire which is very loud and startling.  

Broxton Plantation is still owned by the original family from the time of the battle.   In another part of the property from where the battle was, there is a bed and breakfast, a facility for weddings and parties and in the appropriate season, the Plantation provides hunting for various creatures.   It is a beautiful place with many huge oak trees.   The area is also open for camping and is a popular place for horseback riders on the weekends.