Casualties on Both Sides

As the bodies began to fall on the front lines, it became apparent that we were re-living an event in history that had previously meant nothing to us. Since our lives hadn't been affected, the realization that these battles actually took place in towns and villages like Aiken became more vivid in our minds.

The following chilling message is from Hugh Judson Kilpatrick, the Union Brigadier, to William Tecumseh Sherman on February 8, 1865:

"General: I will encamp to night at Williston and de-stroy some track; February 9 (will be) at or before Windsor, and the following day make demonstrations toward Augusta. Will, if prudent, destroy Government property at Aiken, and as much railroad as possible and return to Windsor. I will be prudent, bold, but not rash."

After that message was sent, Kilpatrick crossed into what is now Aiken County, engaged with Major General Joe Wheeler's Cavalry and The Battle of Aiken began.