Fredericksburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Fire on Caroline Street
Fredericksburg: Timeless.
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. It is on Caroline Street (Business U.S. 17) north of Lewis Street, on the right when traveling north. Located in front of the Central Rappahannock Regional Library. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1201 Caroline Street, Fredericksburg VA 22401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area and in Northern Virginia. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in 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: 1908 (within shouting distance of this marker); Kenmore (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named 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.
Other markers no longer nearby. Fredericksburg Campaign, December 1862 (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); The Lewis Store (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Old Marker At This Location titled "Fredericksburg Campaign, December 1862".
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 697 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 7, 2019, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.

