Unit History

 

Evan's Tramp Brigade

In Civil War fighting the basic tactical formation on the battlefield was the brigade. Made up of three or more regiments, the brigade was the formation without the tactical plan that attacked and defended required positions.

 

Evans’ or the “Tramp” Brigade — Evans, from the name of its most famous commander, the controversial Nathan “Shanks” Evans, and “Tramp” from the fact that this unit saw service in no less than three major theaters during the Civil War (they "tramped" or marched everywhere!)

 

The brigade saw service in the South Carolina/North Carolina coast at two different times in service with the Army of Northern Virginia twice, and even service in Mississippi as part of the Army of Tennessee during the Vicksburg Campaign.

 

8,300 men, 10 percent of South Carolina’s contribution to the Confederate cause, served in Evans’ Brigade. Moreover, that service was often in some of the most critical parts of the war.

 

 

Battle Service of the 17th South Carolina Infantry

 

Pocotaligo, SC May 29, 1862

 

John's Island, SC June 7-9, 1862

 

Secessionville, SC June 16, 1862

 

Harrison's Landing/ Malvern Hill, VA August 2-8, 1862

 

Rappahannock Station, VA August 23, 1862

 

2nd Bull Run (Manassas), VA August 28-30, 1862

 

South Mountain (Boonesboro),MD September 14, 1862

 

Sharpsburg (Antietam), VA September 17, 1862

 

Kinston & Goldsboro, NC December 14, 1862

 

Jackson Siege, MS May 14-July 4, 1863

 

Savannah, GA August 10, 1863

 

Charleston Harbor, SC August- September, 1863

 

Wilmington, NC May 1864

 

Bermuda Hundred, VA May 17- June 16, 1864

 

Hewlett's Farm & Ware Bottom Church, VA May 20, 1864

 

The Crater at Petersburg, VA July 30, 1864

 

Petersburg Siege, VA June 15, 1864- April 2, 1865

 

Fort Stedman, VA March 25, 1865

 

Lewis Farm, VA March 29, 1865

 

Gravelly Run, VA March 31, 1865

 

Five Forks, VA April 1, 1865

 

Sayler's Creek, VA April 6, 1865

 

Appomattox Court House, VA April 9, 1865