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

Near Disaster

The Battle of Fredericksburg

— Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Battlefield Park —

Near Disaster Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, May 25, 2008

1. Near Disaster Marker

Inscription.
On this hill on December 13, 1862, Confederate General Robert E. Lee twice nearly met personal disaster. While firing its 39th round of the day, a 30-pounder Parrott Rifle (like the one in front of you) burst, sending chunks of metal across the hilltop - narrowly missing Generals Lee and Longstreet.

Later, a Union artillery shell fired from Stafford Heights, more than a mile away, buried itself in the earthworks at Lee's side. The shell failed to explode. Meanwhile, Confederate cannons here continued their deadly work, adding to the horror of Union troops trapped in front of Marye's Heights and the Sunken Road.

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 month for this entry is December 1877.

Location. 38° 17.097′ N, 77° 28.57′ W. Marker is near Fredericksburg, Virginia. Marker can be reached from Lee Drive, on the right when traveling south. Marker is at the top of Lee's Hill, accessible from a parking pullout on Lee Drive, which is stop three of the driving tour of Fredericksburg Battlefield. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fredericksburg VA 22401, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lee's Command Post (here, next to this marker); The Battle of Fredericksburg from Lee's Hill, December, 1862

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

(here, next to this marker); The Pioneers (a few steps from this marker); The Second Battle of Fredericksburg (a few steps from this marker); Artillery on Lee's Hill (a few steps from this marker); Lee's Hill, the commander's lookout (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Lee’s Hill (a few steps from this marker); Lee's Headquarters (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fredericksburg.

More about this marker. The background of the marker is a drawing shows A Confederate gun fires from what would become known as Lee's Hill.

Near Disaster Marker on Lee Hill image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 18, 2023

2. Near Disaster Marker on Lee Hill

Photographed By Brandon Fletcher, July 19, 2008

3. Near Disaster Marker

Of the 3 markers seen to the left of the exhibit shelter, this marker is the one on the right

30-pounder or 4.2-inch Parrott Rifle image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, May 25, 2008

4. 30-pounder or 4.2-inch Parrott Rifle

This example, with registry number 341, was produced in 1864 by West Point Foundry, New York. Its listed weight is 4,205 pounds, making it one of the heaviest pieces on the battlefield.

Photographed By Brandon Fletcher, July 19, 2008

5. Near Disaster Marker

Other marker on Lee's Hill

Photographed By Brandon Fletcher, July 19, 2008

6. Near Disaster Marker

other markers next to this marker

Photographed By Brandon Fletcher, July 19, 2008

7. Near Disaster Marker

These cannon and the Lee's Hill Stone set just to the right of this marker, beside the pavilion

Photographed By Brandon Fletcher, July 19, 2008

8. Lee's Hill

located just to the right of this marker

Markers in the Exhibit Shelter image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brandon Fletcher, July 19, 2008

9. Markers in the Exhibit Shelter

These markers are located on the left inside wall of the pavilion

Marker in back center of the Exhibit Shelter image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brandon Fletcher, July 19, 2008

10. Marker in back center of the Exhibit Shelter

Other Markers in the Exhibit Shelter image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brandon Fletcher, July 19, 2008

11. Other Markers in the Exhibit Shelter

These markers are located on the right inside wall of the pavilion

Lee's Hill Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brandon Fletcher, July 19, 2008

12. Lee's Hill Marker

Stop #3, this is the trail head that leads to the top of Lee's Hill where the Near Disaster marker is located

Lee's Hill Trail image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brandon Fletcher, July 19, 2008

13. Lee's Hill Trail

This is a marker on the side of the trail as you head up it, to the top of Lee's Hill

Credits. This page was last revised on May 11, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 5, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,543 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 5, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 2. submitted on May 10, 2023, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 3. submitted on July 22, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee. 4. submitted on July 5, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. submitted on July 22, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee.