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Near Fredericksburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Lee's Hill, the commander's lookout
 
Lee's Hill, a commander's lookout Marker Photo, Click for full size
By Kevin W., December 9, 2007
1. Lee's Hill, a commander's lookout Marker
 
Inscription. General Robert E. Lee used this hill as a command post during the Battle of Fredericksburg. It has borne his name ever since.

Lee’s View from Here
Civilians viewing this scene might have focused their attention on the picturesque steeples which mark the skyline today, just as they did in 1862. Lee’s attention, however, was quickly taken up by the blue lines which made heavy attacks on both of his fronts.

Chatham (Lacy House)
This vantage point offered a fine view of the surrounding country. Across the Rappahannock, on Stafford Heights, Lee could see Chatham (the Lacy House) where Federal General E. V. Sumner had his headquarters.
 
Location. 38° 17.094′ N, 77° 28.575′ W. Marker is near Fredericksburg, Virginia. Marker can be reached from Lee Drive. Click for map. Marker is at the top of Lee's Hill, accessible from a parking pullout on Lee Drive. This marker is located in an exhibit shelter, along with other markers. Marker is in this post office area: Fredericksburg VA 22401, United States of America.
 
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Artillery on Lee's Hill (here, next to this marker); The Pioneers (here, next to this marker); The Second Battle of Fredericksburg (here, next to this marker); Lee's Command Post (a few steps from this marker); Near Disaster (a few steps from this marker); Lee’s Hill (a few steps from this marker); Fredericksburg Campaign (about 400 feet away, in a direct line); Lee's Headquarters (about 400 feet away). Click for a list of all markers in Fredericksburg.
 
Lee's Hill, a commander's lookout Marker Photo, Click for full size
By Kevin W., December 9, 2007
2. Lee's Hill, a commander's lookout Marker
 

 
More about this marker. A portrait of General Robert E. Lee is in the center of the marker. The caption below the portrait reads:

”It is well that war is so terrible – we should grow too fond of it.”
- R. E. Lee, December 13, 1862

Lee uttered this oft-quoted phrase to Longstreet atop this hill while watching a Confederate counterattack sweeping down the valley of Deep Run, to his right.

The right side of the marker displays portraits of "Lee's Lieutenants", Generals Stuart, Longstreet, Jackson, and Pendleton. Captions below the respective portrait read:

“Jeb” — “Lee’s Eyes and Ears”
Major General James Ewell Brown Stuart, commanding cavalry, Army of Northern Virginia.

“Old Pete” — “Lee’s War Horse”
Lieutenant General James Longstreet, commanding First Corps, Army of Northern Virginia. Lee’s left flank at Fredericksburg.

“Stonewall” — “Lee’s Right Arm”
Lieutenant General Thomas J. Jackson, commanding Second Corps, Army of Northern Virginia, Lee’s right flank at Fredericksburg.

Brig. Gen. Wm. N. Pendleton, Lee’s Chief of Artillery
Pendleton, a West Pointer, had left the U.S. Army to become an Episcopalian minister before
 
Lee’s Hill Exhibit Shelter Photo, Click for full size
By Kevin W.
3. Lee’s Hill Exhibit Shelter
An exhibit Shelter with markers for both Battles of Fredericksburg await the visitor after a short, steep trail up Lee's Hill from the parking area.
 
the war. Lee was a vestryman in his congregation at Lexington after the war.

Lee’s principal officers came to consult with him here. Longstreet and Pendleton attended the commanding general throughout the battle.
 
Additional comments.
1. Brigadier General W. N. Pendleton Quote
The nearby map (see picture 4) details both Union and Confederate positions during the December 13, 1862 Battle of Fredericksburg. On it there is the following quote by Brigadier General W. N. Pendleton, Lee’s Chief of Artillery:

This point, densely wooded when first chosen, became the most important, perhaps, in the entire scene as the position affording the best view of all the field….
    — Submitted December 12, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.
 
The Battle of Fredericksburg from Lee’s Hill, December, 1862 Photo, Click for full size
By Kevin W., December 9, 2007
4. The Battle of Fredericksburg from Lee’s Hill, December, 1862
Overlooking the Fredericksburg area, there is a map detailing both Union and Confederate positions during the December 13, 1862 Battle of Fredericksburg.
 
Credits. This page originally submitted on December 12, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 973 times since then. Photos:   1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 12, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.
 
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