Near Spotsylvania Courthouse in Spotsylvania County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Spotsylvania Campaign

Photographed By Craig Swain, July 6, 2008

1. Spotsylvania Campaign Marker

Inscription. May 10, 1864. Here along the west face of the Confederate Salient, or "Mule Shoe," Dole's Brigade of Ewell's II Corps had been alert all afternoon. At 6 p.m., when Federal cannonading ceased, it seemed the day would end quietly. Then Upton's regiments erupted from the woods and dashed across 200 yards of cleared area to pierce the lines and capture an artillery battery, shattering the calm into frenzied struggle. Meeting vigorous counterattack, Upton fell back, leaving the battery. Each side lost about 1,000 men, killed, wounded and missing. The partial Union success led to the idea of a large attack against the apex of the Confederate Salient.

Erected by United States Department of the Interior - National Park Service.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is May 10, 1857.

Location. 38° 13.334′ N, 77° 36.119′ W. Marker is near Spotsylvania Courthouse, Virginia, in Spotsylvania County. Marker is on Anderson Drive, on the right when traveling south. Located south of tour stop three (The Bloody Angle) on the driving tour of Spotsylvania Battlefield unit of the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Spotsylvania VA 22553, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking

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distance of this marker. A different marker also named Spotsylvania Campaign (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Muleshoe Salient (about 500 feet away); Aftermath (about 500 feet away); Doles Salient (about 600 feet away); Confederate Counterattack (about 600 feet away); Upton’s Assault (about 600 feet away); Ramseur's Brigade (about 600 feet away); Attack on the Muleshoe (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Spotsylvania Courthouse.

Also see . . . The Union's Bloody Miscue at Spotsylvania's Muleshoe. Upton's attack used some new tactics in order to deal with the heavily fortified position. Unfortunately he was not supported as planned. (Submitted on August 15, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

Photographed By Craig Swain, July 6, 2008

2. Spotsylvania Campaign Marker

Photographed By Craig Swain, July 6, 2008

3. Dole's Line

Dole's Brigade held a line roughly parallel to the modern Anderson Drive. Remains of the entrenchments can be seen today along the road, just inside the scrub brush to the right.

Artillery Battery image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, July 6, 2008

4. Artillery Battery

Two Parrott rifles represent the battery captured by Upton's assault.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 9, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 15, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 885 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 15, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 4. submitted on August 18, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.