Potter's Raid Tour
Union cavalry under Gen. Edward E. Potter left their base in New Bern July 18, 1863, on their way to burn the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad bridge at Rocky Mount and disrupt Confederate supply activities in the area. Potter ran into some resistance near Tarboro and on the way back at Contentnea Creek. The raiders returned to New Bern July 23 after destroying supplies and partially burning bridges over creeks and rivers but the Confederates soon repaired the damage and restored rail service in Rocky Mount by Aug. 1.