Near Spotsylvania Courthouse in Spotsylvania County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Rearguard Action

The Battle of Fredericksburg

Photographed by Craig Swain, August 24, 2008

1. Rearguard Action Marker

For some unknown reason, this marker is clearly labeled (upper right corner) with "Battle of Fredericksburg." It should read "Battle of Chancellorsville."

Inscription. On May 2, 1863, as the tail end of Stonewall Jackson's flanking column neared the Wellford place, Union infantry launched an attack. They struck Jackson's rearguard (the 23rd Georgia) a half-mile to the north, at Catharine Furnace. From there, they fought a running battle to the Wellford farm. Confederate artillery unlimbered in the yard of the Wellford house to help repel a Union assault.

Outnumbered, the Georgians fell back to the protection of a railroad embankment, still visible inside the woods ahead of you. But Union sharpshooters outflanked the Georgians' position and captured most of the regiment. The Federals pushed no farther, though, and Jackson's march continued. By 5 p.m. his column lay poised opposite the Union army's unprotected right flank, about three miles northwest of you. Jackson stood on the verge of his greatest success.

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 date for this entry is May 2, 1863.

Location. 38° 16.803′ N, 77° 38.755′ W. Marker is near Spotsylvania Courthouse, Virginia, in Spotsylvania County. It is on Jackson Trail East, on the right when traveling south. Located on the Jackson Flank March driving

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

loop in the Chancellorsville Battlefield section of the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Battlefield Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 11512 Jackson Trail E, Spotsylvania VA 22553, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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: Ordeal of the Wellfords (here, next to this marker); Chancellorsville Campaign (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Chancellorsville Campaign (approx. 0.6 miles away); A Region of Gloom (approx. 0.6 miles away); Catharine Furnace (approx. 0.6 miles away); Jackson's Flank March (approx. 0.6 miles away); About a mile in the distance... (approx. 0.7 miles away); Maury House Trail (approx. ¾ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Spotsylvania Courthouse.

More about this marker. The background of the marker is a map depicting Jackson's flank march with the location of the Wellford House and the 23rd Georgia position indicated. Union leaders spotted Jackson's column, assumed he was retreating and attacked. The 23rd Georgia tried to stop them. The fight ended only when the Georgians surrendered in the unfinished railroad, about 200 yards in front of you.

An inset portrait shows Colonel Emory F. Best, 23rd Georgia. Best would be court-martialed for abandoning his regiment before it surrendered.

Regarding Rearguard Action.

The Wellford Farm Waysides image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, August 24, 2008

2. The Wellford Farm Waysides

On the left is Ordeal of the Wellfords, and on the right is Rearguard Action.

This is one of several markers for the Battle of Chancellorsville along the Jackson's Flank March and Attack trail. See the Jackson's Flank March and Attack Virtual Tour by Markers in the links section for a listing of related markers on the tour.

Also see . . .
1. Battle of Chancellorsville. National Park Service site detailing the battle. (Submitted on September 13, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

2. Jackson's Flank March and Attack Virtual Tour by Markers. This virtual tour covers the optional Jackson Flank Trail route of the driving tour and concludes at Jackson's Flank Attack (stop 8) of the driving tour, tracing the route of Jackson's march to deliver the decisive attack of the battle. (Submitted on September 13, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

The Rearguard image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, August 24, 2008

3. The Rearguard

Looking north on the flank trail road. The railroad cut was a few hundred yards north of this point. Confederate artillery deployed in this area to attempt to check the Federals, but with the limited visibility, was of little use.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 9, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 13, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,698 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 13, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.