Battle of Monroe’s Crossroads Monument, Fort Bragg

The short, obelisk-style monument is dedicated to the Battle of Monroe’s Crossroads. On either side are listed the respective Confederate and Union divisions involved in the battle, and on the rear of the monument is a map of the battle. The base of the monument is inscribed with the words “DUTY- HONOR- COUNTRY”, which is the motto of the United States Military Academy, because many of the officers involved were graduates of the academy. On March 10, 1865, Confederate Cavalry under Lt. Gen. Wade Hampton launched a surprise attack on the camp of Union Cavalry under Brevet Major General Hugh J. Kilpatrick at the Charles Monroe farm. While the Confederates raided the camp, the Union soldiers launched a successful counterattack. The battle ended inconclusively, but was one of the largest all cavalry battles of the war. This monument is one of few in North Carolina dedicated to both Confederate and Union forces.