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

Fredericksburg City Dock

Bridges and Biscuits

Photographed By Dawn Bowen, June 5, 2007

1. Fredericksburg City Dock: Bridges and Biscuits Marker

Inscription. Why was Fredericksburg important to the Union war effort? The answer lies in logistics. The Union army, numbering more than 100,000 troops, required tons of food, clothing and other supplies to operate. Wagon trains could supply the army for short distances, but they were cumbersome and difficult to protect. Longer supply lines required either water or rail transportation. Fredericksburg, with its railroad and close proximity to the Potomac River, provided the Union Army with an ideal base for an “On to Richmond” drive.

Three bridges spanned the Rappahannock River here in 1861: the Richmond, Fredericksburg, and Potomac Railroad bridge (which stood at the same location as the modern bridge ahead of you) and two wagon bridges located farther upstream. Retreating Confederates destroyed these spans in April 1862, making it necessary for the Union army to cross the river on pontoon bridges the following December during the Battle of Fredericksburg. The middle pontoon bridge stood here at the city dock.

Erected by Virginia Civil War Trails.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Civil War Trails series list. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1862.

Location.

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38° 17.792′ N, 77° 27.22′ W. Marker is in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Marker is on Sophia Street south of Frederick Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 101 Sophia Street, 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. A different marker also named Fredericksburg City Dock (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Fredericksburg City Dock (here, next to this marker); Washington's Boyhood Home (here, next to this marker); Rocky Lane (within shouting distance of this marker); No Outlet (within shouting distance of this marker); The Slave Ship Othello (within shouting distance of this marker); The Middle Passage (within shouting distance of this marker); George Washington’s Boyhood Home at Ferry Farm (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fredericksburg.

Ruins of Fredericksburg Railroad Bridge, 1863 image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Dawn Bowen, June 4, 2007

2. Ruins of Fredericksburg Railroad Bridge, 1863

Union troops at Fredericksburg image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Dawn Bowen, June 4, 2007

3. Union troops at Fredericksburg

Fredericksburg City Dock Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Kevin W., February 2, 2008

4. Fredericksburg City Dock Marker

Before the Union army constructed pontoon bridges at Fredericksburg in May 1864, wounded Union soldiers had to be carried across the river in rafts like the one shown here.

Fredericksburg City Dock Markers image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Dawn Bowen, June 5, 2007

5. Fredericksburg City Dock Markers

Dock on Rappahannock River image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Dawn Bowen, June 5, 2007

6. Dock on Rappahannock River

Fredericksburg Railroad Bridge image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Dawn Bowen, June 5, 2007

7. Fredericksburg Railroad Bridge

Fredericksburg Railroad Bridge and modern freight train image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Kevin W., February 2, 2008

8. Fredericksburg Railroad Bridge and modern freight train

Credits. This page was last revised on February 6, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 5, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 3,461 times since then and 35 times this year. Last updated on February 3, 2023, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 5, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. 4. submitted on February 2, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 5, 6, 7. submitted on June 5, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. 8. submitted on February 2, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.