Fredericksburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Fire on Caroline Street
Fredericksburg: Timeless.
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, October 6, 2019
1. Fire on Caroline Street Marker
A tremendous and deadly fire swept down from the front and left. The Rebels occupied the houses and were behind fences, and could not be seen except for the flash of the guns. It staggered the column, but in a moment we pressed on.... —Henry Ropes 20th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry
On December 11, 1862, the Union Army of the Potomac forced its way across the Rappahannock River and into Fredericksburg. William Barksdale's Mississippi brigade (approximately 1,600 men) slowed down the Federal lodgment, buying critical time for Robert E. Lee to gather his army on the heights beyond town, where a larger battle would be fought or December 13th. The 20th Massachusetts Regiment, shown here, advanced from the river up Hawke Street a block and a half to your left. Painting by Don Troiani
Panel design by Jackson Foster, The I.D. Entity
Erected by Fredericksburg Economic Development and Tourism Office.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Virginia, Fredericksburg: Timeless. series list. A significant historical date for this entry is December 11, 1862.
Location. 38° 18.37′ N, 77° 27.664′ W. Marker is in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Marker is on Caroline
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 1908 (within shouting distance of this marker); Kenmore (within shouting distance of this marker); The Lewis Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Rising Sun Tavern (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Rising Sun Tavern (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Reformed Baptist Church (about 300 feet away); 1856 (about 400 feet away); 1854 (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fredericksburg.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Old Marker At This Location titled "Fredericksburg Campaign, December 1862".
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, October 6, 2019
2. Fire on Caroline Street Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 7, 2019, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 272 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 7, 2019, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.
