Near Spotsylvania Courthouse in Spotsylvania County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Spindle House
The Battle of Spotsylvania Court House
— Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park —
Photographed By Craig Swain, July 6, 2008
1. Spindle House Marker
Many Spotsylvania families lost property during the war, but Sarah Spindle nearly lost her life. The 36-year-old widow and her family had just sat down to breakfast on May 8, 1864, when the popping of rifles announced the presence of hostile troops. Confederate soldiers started digging protective earthworks on one side of the farm (in front of you). Minutes later Union infantry appeared on the other side of the farm, behind you. They soon charged into Mrs. Spindle's yard and orchard. Fighting raged.
For the rest of the day Mrs. Spindle's farm would become the most contested piece of ground in North America. Fearing that the Federals would use the house as cover, Confederate artillery pummeled it with explosive shells, setting it on fire. Mrs. Spindle and her family ran screaming into the bedlam outside. They dodged their way southward (to your right) and crossed the Po River to safety. The house burned to the ground. Sarah Spindle escaped with her life but lost everything else.
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 May 1828.
Location. 38° 12.825′ N, 77° 37.015′ W. Marker is near Spotsylvania Courthouse
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named The Spindle House (within shouting distance of this marker); Maryland Monument (approx. 0.2 miles away); Fight for the Fences (approx. 0.2 miles away); Warren's Line (approx. 0.2 miles away); Spotsylvania Campaign (approx. ¼ mile away); Laurel Hill (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Race for Spotsylvania Court House (approx. 0.3 miles away); Sedgwick (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Spotsylvania Courthouse.
More about this marker. The background of the marker is a painting captioned The Spindle house is consumed by fire in this painting by artist Conrad Freitag, a German immigrant who served in the 84th New York Infantry (14th Brooklyn). He was wounded here at Spotsylvania. An inset photo on the upper right shows In 2004 archaeologists discovered the remains of a chimney at the Spindle House.
Also see . . . Laurel Hill Trail. Civil War in the East
Photographed By Craig Swain, July 6, 2008
2. Spindle House Marker
Photographed By Craig Swain, July 6, 2008
3. Spindle House Site
Little remains above ground to indicate the location of the house. As indicated on the marker, the ground in front of the marker is the general location of the house and farm. Today the ground there is open field.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 15, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 14, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,817 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 14, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
