Near Spotsylvania Courthouse in Spotsylvania County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Harrison House
The Battle of Spotsylvania Court House
| | Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park | |
Photographed by Craig Swain, July 6, 2008
1. The Harrison House Marker
One slave, Joseph E. Walker, remembered the panic that gripped the household as the armies approached. "...My mistress, Miss Harrison, and my mother began gathering up her silver to leave. Just then [Confederate troops] formed a line of battle in our front yard.... We were ordered to get out as the firing was going to begin, which it did like a thunderstorm." The Harrisons and their slaves took refuge at a neighbor's house, returning only after the battle ended. For Spotsylvania residents, it was a story repeated countless times.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil.
Location. 38° 13.047′ N, 77° 36.193′ W. Marker is near Spotsylvania Courthouse, Virginia
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area, in Northern Virginia, and in the Piedmont. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Lee to the Rear! (here, next to this marker); Lee's Last Line (approx. 0.2 miles away); Ramseur's Brigade (approx. Ό mile away); Uptons Assault (approx. Ό mile away); Mayhem in the Muleshoe (approx. Ό mile away); The McCoull House (approx. Ό mile away); Confederate Counterattack (approx. Ό mile away); McCoull Spring (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Spotsylvania Courthouse.
Other markers no longer nearby. Spotsylvania Campaign (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Harrison House Site (was about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been permanently removed); Doles Salient (was approx. Ό mile away but has been permanently removed).
More about this marker. The background of the marker is a black-and-white photo of the house. The Harrison home survived the war only to be destroyed by fire years later. Today only
Photographed by Craig Swain, July 6, 2008
2. Tour Stop Four
To the left is the Harrison House marker. To the right the Lee to the Rear! marker.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Battle of Spotsylvania - Tour Stops Four and Five - Harrison and McCoull Houses
Also see . . . Harrison House Site. National Park Service virtual tour stop. (Submitted on August 18, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Photographed by Craig Swain, July 6, 2008
3. The Harrison House Site
Seen from the marker location. The Harrison farm and house stood around the copse of trees in the open field.
Photographed by Craig Swain
4. Harrison House Site
The foundation piles are all that remain of Harrison House.
Credits. This page was last revised on April 21, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 18, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,868 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 18, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 4. submitted on August 15, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
