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

Fatal Mistake at the East Angle

The Battle of Spotsylvania Court House

— Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park —

Fatal Mistake at the East Angle Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, June 23, 2013

1. Fatal Mistake at the East Angle Marker

Inscription.
The sharp turn in the Confederate works here is called the “East Angle.” It marks the apex of the Muleshoe Salient and was one of the most vulnerable points on Lee’s line. Lee fortified the place heavily and placed upwards of 30 cannon in and around the works here. But on the night of May 11, fearing the Union army was about to march south, he pulled those guns out of the line. For Lee, it was a rare and grave misjudgment.

The Federals were not leaving Spotsylvania, but instead were moving into position to attack the Muleshoe. General Edward Johnson ordered the guns back to their places, but they arrived just in time to be captured by swarming Union soldiers. Two Confederate generals (including Johnson), 3,000 men, and 20 cannon fell into Union hands. It was one of the greatest disasters ever to befall Lee’s army.

Erected 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 date for this entry is May 11, 1864.

Location. 38° 13.443′ N, 77° 35.875′ W. Marker is near Spotsylvania Courthouse, Virginia, in Spotsylvania County. Marker can be reached from Grant Drive north of Anderson Drive, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Spotsylvania VA 22553, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Dawn Assault (here, next to this marker); "The Toughest Fight Yet" (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Struggle for the Bloody Angle (about 500 feet away); The Confederate Earthworks (about 500 feet away); Spotsylvania Campaign (about 500 feet away); a different marker also named Spotsylvania Campaign (about 500 feet away); 15th Regiment New Jersey Volunteers (about 600 feet away); 49th New York Infantry (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Spotsylvania Courthouse.

Also see . . . Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park. National Park Service (Submitted on June 24, 2013.)

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, June 23, 2013

2. Fatal Mistake at the East Angle Marker

Northwest portion of the salient image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain

3. Northwest portion of the salient

An artillery piece represents the Confederate guns in this section of the works.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 14, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 24, 2013, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 540 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 24, 2013, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 3. submitted on April 7, 2014, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.