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

In The Nick of Time

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, November 10, 2007

1. In The Nick of Time Marker

Inscription. As Union battle lines surged into the forest across the Orange Plank Road on your right, and poised in the trees at the far end of the Tapp Field, grayclad figures loped into view from behind you. The leading Confederate units peeled right into the scrubby woods while others entered this clearing. General Robert E. Lee, mounted near here and in an unusual state of nervous agitation, anxiously inquired as to the identity of the newcomers. “The Texas Brigade,” came the proud reply. The only Texas troops in the army belonged to the First Corps. Longstreet had arrived! “Hurrah for Texas,” shouted Lee. The brave veterans, including one regiment from Arkansas, responded with a cheer and dressed ranks for a desperate assault.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil.

Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. 38° 17.41′ N, 77° 43.576′ W. Marker is near Locust Grove, Virginia, in Spotsylvania County. It can be reached from Orange Plank Road (County Route 621), on the right when traveling west. This is the second in a series of markers along a walking trail on the Tapp Field. It can be reached from a parking lot off the Orange Plank Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 11325 Orange Plank Rd, Locust Grove VA 22508, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area,

in Northern Virginia,

and in the Piedmont.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Lee-to-the-Rear (here, next to this marker); In the Nick of Time (here, next to this marker); Wilderness Campaign (about 500 feet away); The Home of Widow Tapp (about 600 feet away); The Widow Tapp House (about 600 feet away); Brink of Victory (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lee to the Rear! (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lee to the rear! (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Locust Grove.

Other markers no longer nearby. Crisis in the Wilderness (was about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been confirmed missing); Confederate Earthworks (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been permanently removed); The Texans Attack (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been permanently removed).

More about this marker. On the left side of the marker is a map illustrating locations of the opposing sides at the stage of the battle described on the marker.

This marker was replaced by a new one also named In the Nick of Time (see nearby markers).

Also see . . . Battle of the Wilderness. (Submitted on March 9, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)

Tap Field Trail Map image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Coughlin, November 10, 2007

2. Tap Field Trail Map

Stop Two on the Widow Tapp Trail image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, February 16, 2008

3. Stop Two on the Widow Tapp Trail

Looking Across Widow Tapp Farm Fields at the Federal Positions image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, February 16, 2008

4. Looking Across Widow Tapp Farm Fields at the Federal Positions

From the marker location, Federal forces advanced out of the wood line in the distance to the east.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 9, 2021. It was originally submitted on March 9, 2008. This page has been viewed 1,377 times since then and 22 times this year. Last updated on September 9, 2020, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 9, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 4. submitted on March 10, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.