Doswell in Hanover County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Dig and Dig Some More
May 25-26, 1864
— Blue Trail —
The trench line branching off to the left was built by Crawford's Pennsylvanians and the rest of the 5th Corps divisions marching to their rescue on May 25, and then improved until the Federal forces withdrew from the North Anna River on May 27. Once these earthworks were completed, Lee lost any opportunity of striking a decisive blow at the Union army in this area. Fierce skirmish battles took place in the wooded areas behind you but no Confederate attack was attempted. Although still in command of the Army of Northern Virginia, General Lee remained confined to his tent with a virulent attack of diarrhea, repeating aloud, "We must strike them a blow, we must never let them pass us again, we must strike them a blow."
Donated to the People of the United States by Arthur H. Taylor III of Virginia
Erected 2014 by Blue & Gray Education Society, Hanover County Parks and Recreation Department. (Marker Number Stop 12.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is May 25, 1864.
Location. 37° 53.738′ N, 77° 29.839′ W. Marker is in Doswell, Virginia, in Hanover County. Marker can be reached from Verdon Road (Virginia Route 684) 0.2 miles west of New Market Mill Road (Virginia Route 685), on the right when traveling west. Located along the "Blue Trail” in North Anna Battlefield Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 11576 Verdon Rd, Doswell VA 23047, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Stalemate (here, next to this marker); Deadly Skirmishing (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Griffin's Artillery (about 300 feet away); Death Under The Trees (about 400 feet away); Reinforcements Arrive (about 700 feet away); A Night of Agony (approx. ¼ mile away); Ledlie's Legacy (approx. ¼ mile away); River War (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Doswell.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. To better understand the relationship, study each marker in the order shown.
Also see . . .
1. North Anna Battlefield Park. Hanover County Parks & Recreation (Submitted on July 3, 2014.)
2. The Battle of North Anna. Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park (Submitted on February 25, 2020.)
3. North Anna. American Battlefield Trust (Submitted on February 25, 2020.)
4. North Anna Battlefield Park Sign Project. Blue & Gray Education Society (Submitted on February 26, 2020.)
Credits. This page was last revised on September 30, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 3, 2014, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 386 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 24, 2020, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 2. submitted on February 26, 2020. 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 24, 2020, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.