It Was 2,000 Confederates Vs 12,000 Federals-- First Batle of Kinston

There sure was lots and lots of Civil War stuff going on around Kinston and Lenoir County this past December. Here's another story.

From the December 13, 2007, Kinston Free Press. A memorial service was held for the First battle of Kinston, not Wyse Fork, where 2000 Confederates fought more of a delaying fight against an overwhelming Union force of 12,000.

Local historian Dr. Lonnie Blizzard has spent many years studying the battle.

This first Battle of Kinston was fought in connection with Union General Foster's campaign to destroy the Goldsboro railroad bridge and sever the Wilmington & Weldon RR. Kinston was the front-line defense to protect NC's interior from Federal incursions.

A force of 2000 Confederates under Gen. Nathan Evans defended earthworks located at Southwest Creek at Woodington. The overpowered Confederate repeatedly fell back and dug in until they reached the inner defense line along present-day US-70. According to Blizzard, "General Evans never said he was retreating. He just pulled back and made another stand."

Part 2 coming.