Wilmington, NC | Jan 28 - Feb 1, 1781
On January 28, 1781, British Maj. James Henry Craig’s forces launched a naval attack leading to the occupation of the City of Wilmington. In response, North Carolina militia, under Col. Henry Young, organized at Heron’s Bridge north of Wilmington to counter the British. On January 29th, Maj. Craig’s troops left Wilmington and surrounded the militia’s encampment at Heron’s Bridge. The militia attempted to retreat, but were quickly pursued by the British.
Although there was no actual battle of Wilmington, the actions at Heron's Bridge remain an important example of the skirmishing that occurred in North Carolina as the Whigs attempted to harass and confine the maneuverability and resupply of the British forces.
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Related Battles
Wilmington, NC | January 28, 1781
Result: British Victory
Commanders
Estimated Casualties
3
American
3
3
British
0
0