Skirmishes at Swannanoa Gap and Mill Creek North Carolina - April 1865
General Martin ordered Lt. Colonel Love and the infantry regiment to hold the Swannanoa Gap against the enemy approaching from Salisbury. In preparation for the Union assault, Love ordered the regiment to cut down trees as a defense (an Abatis and it was a perfect ambush). While Love's Regiment of battle-hardened veterans was entrenched in good ground at Swannanoa Gap, they soon encountered General Gillem's entire, but under-strengthened, division. On April 20, 1865, they struck the division with enfilading fire and forced their retreat to Mill Creek, McDowell County. The Thomas Legion soldiers were very familiar with Swannanoa Gap and it was a welcomed "home field advantage."