Near Locust Grove in Spotsylvania County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Confederate Earthworks
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, November 10, 2007
1. Confederate Earthworks Marker
This is the forth 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.
The small earthen mounds extending at right angles from the trenches are called traverses. They served two purposes: to protect against flanking artillery fire and to provide a new defensive front should enemy infantry pierce the line.
By 1864 the armies routinely constructed field fortifications displaying incredible effort and engineering skill. An elaborate defensive system could be built overnight. These earthworks incorporated logs as well as dirt and originally measured four to six feet in height. Spotsylvania Court House Battlefield contains outstanding examples of the soldiers’ entrenching prowess.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1864.
Location. Marker has been reported permanently removed. It was located near 38° 17.527′ N, 77° 43.478′ W. Marker was near Locust Grove, Virginia, in Spotsylvania County. Marker was on Orange Plank Road (County Route 621), on the right when traveling west
this page online
We have been informed that this sign or monument is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Brink of Victory (here, next to this marker); Lee to the Rear! (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Home of Widow Tapp (about 500 feet away); The Widow Tapp House (about 500 feet away); Texas (about 500 feet away); Lee to the rear! (about 600 feet away); Widow Tapp’s Field (approx. 0.2 miles away); Crisis in Tapp Field (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Locust Grove.
More about this marker. The bottom portion of the marker features a picture with the caption, This wartime sketch depicts Federal soldiers building earthworks during the Battle of the Wilderness.
Also see . . . Battle of the Wilderness. (Submitted on March 9, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, November 10, 2007
2. Marker with earthworks
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, November 10, 2007
3. Earthworks made by Longstreet's troops
These trenches were made by Longstreet's men on May 6 and 7, 1864. They were to provide fall back protection in the event of a Union breakthrough of the main line.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, November 10, 2007
4. Confederate Trenches - Longstreet's Line
Photographed By Craig Swain, February 16, 2008
5. Longstreet's Trenches
The trace of the trenches is easy to see across the Tapp Fields even today. The traverses extend perpendicular to the main line. Several holes indicate larger and deeper works built for artillery positions.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 9, 2021. It was originally submitted on March 9, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,435 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 9, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 5. submitted on March 10, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
