Near Petersburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Siege of Petersburg—Lee Strikes Back

March 25, 1865 Battle of Fort Stedman to Battle of Jones Farm

Photographed By Shane Oliver, July 18, 2015

1. Siege of Petersburg — Lee Strikes Back Marker

Inscription. By March 1865 Confederate General Robert E. Lee had suffered through nearly nine months of fighting, had repulsed seven Union offensives, and had his men spread along a 37-mile-long front. Knowing that it was only a matter of time before his lines would break he took a desperate gamble and launched his only offensive of the siege.

You are standing where Lee had pinned his hopes for breaking the Union grip on his army.

(captions)
Morning March 25, 1865—Lee launches a pre-dawn surprise assault on Union Fort Stedman hoping to break the Union grip on Petersburg. Within four hours, Lee's gamble has failed completely.

Afternoon, March 25, 1865—Union forces strike where Lee weakened his line for launching the Fort Stedman attack. By nightfall, Union forces gain valuable ground for their breakthrough assault on April 2, 1865.

Erected by Petersburg National Battlefield.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Military • War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1865.

Location. 37° 13.902′ N, 77° 22.16′ W. Marker is near Petersburg, Virginia. Marker is on Siege Road, 2.4 miles south of Oaklawn Boulevard (Virginia Route 36), on the right when traveling south.

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Marker is located at the parking lot near the trail to Fort Stedman—tour stop 5 on the Eastern Front Auto Tour. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5001 Siege Road, Petersburg VA 23803, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A Final Effort (a few steps from this marker); Fort Stedman (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Fort Stedman (within shouting distance of this marker); Prince George Court House Road (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Wasted Valor (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Maine Heavy Artillery Monument (approx. 0.2 miles away); Colquitt's Salient (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lee's Last Offensive (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Petersburg.

Also see . . . Petersburg National Battlefield. (Submitted on July 21, 2015.)

Photographed By Shane Oliver, July 18, 2015

2. Siege of Petersburg — Lee Strikes Back Marker

The earthworks of Union Fort Stedman can be seen in the background.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 21, 2015, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 768 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 21, 2015, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.