Near Fredericksburg in Spotsylvania County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Jackson Holds Prospect Hill
The Battle of Fredericksburg
— Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park —
Photographed By Craig Swain, July 25, 2009
1. Jackson Holds Prospect Hill Marker
You are standing on the right of the Confederate army, held by Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson's corps on December 13, 1862. His 35,000 troops spread along a mile front - some in the woods, some in fields, some on ridgetops, some in swampy bottoms. In front lay the Richmond, Fredericksburg, and Potomac Railroad. Some of Jackson's troops used the railroad embankment as a ready-made earthwork.
As dawn broke on December 13, fog obscured the Union army maneuvering on the plain beyond the railroad, concealing the fact that Jackson would be the target of the first major Union attacks that day. When at midmorning the fog rose, a staff officer remarked gloomily on the strength of the Union army forming on the plain. Jackson responded tartly: "Major, my men have sometimes failed to take a position, but to defend one, never! I am glad the Yankees are coming."
I could see fully half the whole Yankee army, reserves and all. It was a grand sight seeing them come in position this morning; but it seemed that the host would eat us up…
A Confederate artilleryman
Erected 2009 by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1898.
Location. 38° 14.895′
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Fredericksburg Campaign (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Fredericksburg Campaign (here, next to this marker); Dead Horse Hill (here, next to this marker); Jackson (here, next to this marker); Hamilton's Crossing (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Hamilton's Crossing (within shouting distance of this marker); A Southern Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Meade Pyramid (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fredericksburg.
More about this marker. The background of the marker is a drawing of the Confederates in position. Jackson's men await battle along the railroad in front of you. While some of them used the railroad embankment for cover, others concealed themselves in Prospect Hill's heavy woods, behind you. To the lower left is a map depicting the Federal advance and Confederate defense.
Photographed By Craig Swain
2. New Waysides on Prospect Hill
Photographed By Craig Swain, July 25, 2009
3. Confederate Earthworks on Prospect Hill
The railroad passes through the open ground below Prospect Hill, entering the right of frame in the tree line.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 9, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 24, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,096 times since then and 26 times this year. Last updated on April 8, 2023, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 24, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
