Collection Battle of Averasboro Commemorative Medal

Commems

Private
Joined
Jun 6, 2021
Here's a commemorative bronze medal issued in 1965 to help mark the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Averasboro in North Carolina. It was one of several North Carolina-themed medals struck during the Civil War's Centennial years of 1961-65.

Confederate troops at Averasboro were under the command of General William J. Hardee. He was operating under orders from General Joseph E. Johnston to delay Major General William T. Sherman's advancing Union troops who were under the command of General Henry W. Slocum. Johnston was looking for Hardee to buy him the time he needed to consolidate and build his troops at Bentonville, NC.

Though substantially outmanned - ~25,000 to ~5,400 - Hardee was asked to inflict as much damage on the Union troops as possible. When the fighting was over, Hardee had delayed Slocum's advance and casualties on the Union side totaled an estimated 682; casualties on the Confederate side totaled 785. (Note: Troop and Casualty figures are as per the web site of The Civil War Trust.)

I've also included a photo I took while visiting the small battlefield park; it is a memorial to the 50th North Carolina Regiment which helped engage Union troops at the battle.

1965-Averasboro-OBV-Resized.jpg
1965-Averasboro-REV-Resized.jpg

ChicoraCemetery-Averasboro-Resized.jpg
 
Another Nice One. Ive never seen this one before.
 
Some might think the medal has an error via its "March 20, 1965" date...

The true centennial anniversary dates for the battle - March 15-16, 1965 - fell on Monday/Tuesday. The battle's anniversary celebration was scheduled for Saturday - April 20, 1965 - so that more folks could attend. The medal's large anniversary date corresponds to the celebration date vs. a battle anniversary date(s).
 
Back
Top