Located in the center of Wilkesboro at the courthouse, this marker points out the US occupation of the city during the Civil War.
It reads, "On a raid through Western North Carolina, General Stoneman's U.S. cavalry occupied Wilkesboro. March 29, 1865."
This was one of the longest cavalry raids of the Civil War through western North Carolina, aiming to cripple Confederate infrastructure rather than engage in direct combat. His 5,000-man force destroyed railroads, factories, and supply lines, disrupted Confederate defenses, and ultimately helped block escape routes for Lee and Johnston's armies. After a brief, rain-soaked pause in Wilkesboro, Stoneman's men resumed their march north, continuing their campaign into May and aiding in the pursuit of fleeing Confederate leaders.
During the extended stay, Union troops on raids in the countryside discovered several moonshine stills and the drunken soldiers rode roughshod over the town of Wilkesboro. Angered by his men's actions, Stoneman tried unsuccessfully to stop their recklessness.
The surrender at Appomattox Court House occurred on April 9, 1865, just eleven days after.
[Review 1277 of 2025 - 4431 in North Carolina - 24829 overall] read more