Fredericksburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
A Diversion
The Second Battle of Fredericksburg
Photographed by Kevin W., February 2, 2008
1. A Diversion Marker
On the morning of May 3, Gibbons troops rushed forward to assault the heights in front of you. The attack faltered at this canal when the soldiers discovered that planks for the bridge had been removed. While the Northerners pulled boards from a nearby house, Confederate artillery went into battery on the high ground and opened fire. Southern infantry also arrived to take up defensive positions.
Gibbons opportunity to seize an undefended hill had passed, but this Federal demonstration caused the Confederates to overextend themselves. When the Southern troops shifted to confront Gibbons, another Union column broke through at Sunken Road (1Ό mile south of here). The victorious Federals headed toward Chancellorsville, but were turned back by Confederate reinforcements at Salem Church.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, French and Indian • War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is May 3, 1863.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 38° 18.68′ N, 77° 28.612′
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Regionally, this marker was in the Washington Metropolitan Area and in Northern Virginia. It was also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found 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 10 other markers are within walking distance of this location: A Diversion: Second Battle of Fredericksburg (a few steps from this marker); Fall Hill (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Fall Hill (approx. 0.2 miles away); Elmhurst (approx. 0.3 miles away); Industrial Interlude (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Canal Ditch: Battlefield Obstacle (approx. 0.4 miles away); Carl's (approx. half a mile away); Fredericksburg Granite (approx. half a mile away); Beta Gamma Sigma (approx. half a mile away); Amoroleck Encounters John Smith (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fredericksburg.
Another marker is no longer nearby. The Canal Ditch (was approx. 0.4 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Regarding A Diversion. Photography and Design of this marker are credited to Daniel Fitzpatrick and Pamella Hunt. The photo was by Mike Tyminski.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. New Marker At This Location titled "A Diversion: Second
Photographed by Dawn Bowen, June 2, 2007
2. A Diversion: The Second Battle of Fredericksburg, 3 May 1863 Marker
Photographed by Kevin W., February 2, 2008
3. Picture of Brigadier General John Gibbon on the Marker
Brigadier General John Gibbon was a solid fighter from the Regular Army. Born in Philadelphia, but raised in North Carolina, he remained loyal to the Union even as his three brothers took arms for the Confederacy. Gibbon remained in the army following the war, and would lead the column that buried Custer and his troopers at the Little Big Horn.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 2, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,787 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 2, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 2. submitted on June 2, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. 3. submitted on February 2, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.
