Mechanicsville in Hanover County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Pennsylvanians Stand Firm
By Bill Coughlin, April 24, 2007
1. The Pennsylvanians Stand Firm Marker
Five regiments of Pennsylvania troops, supported by artillery, held the high ground in front of you. In 1862 the slopes were open with no trees to block the view. Lieutenant Colonel A. J. Warner of the 10th Pennsylvania Reserves was entrenched with his unit on the hill just upstream from Ellerson’s Mill. After the war Warner reminisced about the Confederate attacks:As soon as they reached rifle range our men opened upon them such a destructive fire from the rifle pits and the old mill dam that they were forced back with terrible slaughter, the artillery keeping up the fire with shell when they were beyond musket range. Notwithstanding the fearful slaughter in the ranks the enemy renewed several times the attempt to reach the creek and force a passage.
Despite the odds, Confederate infantry made several desperate attempts to break through. No attack ever reached beyond the mill race. One Union observer credited success to, “a good position, plenty of artillery, rifle pits and last but not least the men were fresh, anxious and determined.”
Erected by Richmond National
By Bill Coughlin, April 24, 2007
2. Marker at Beaver Dam Creek
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. 37° 35.769′ N, 77° 21.492′ W. Marker is in Mechanicsville, Virginia, in Hanover County. Marker can be reached from Cold Harbor Road (Virginia Route 156), on the right when traveling east. Marker is in the Beaver Dam Creek Unit of Richmond National Battlefield Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Mechanicsville VA 23111, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Beaver Dam Creek (within shouting distance of this marker); Lee’s First Strike (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Beaver Dam Creek (about 300 feet away); a different marker also named Beaver Dam Creek (about 300 feet away); Site of Ellerson’s Mill (about 300 feet away); Holding the High Ground (about 300 feet away); Historic Cold Harbor Road (about 400 feet away); Ellerson's Mill (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mechanicsville.
More about this marker. The lower left of the marker features a picture of Ellerson’s Mill. It has a caption of “This April 1865 image looks eastward and shows Ellerson’s Mill, part of the mill race, and the slope occupied by Brigadier General Truman Seymour’s Pennsylvania brigade. Note the battle damage to the structure.” Next to this is a photograph with the caption “This photograph, taken about 1885, shows the Federal position in more detail. Ellerson’s Mill had been rebuilt by the time this view was recorded. You are standing on the far right edge of the photograph. (The foundation of the mill is in the woods about 30 yards to your front)
Regarding The Pennsylvanians Stand Firm. This marker was replaced by a new one named Holding the High Ground (see nearby markers).
Also see . . .
1. Beaver Dam Creek
By Bill Coughlin, April 23, 2007
3. Marker on the Cold Harbor Road
The marker can be seen in this photo, in the distance on the historic Cold Harbor Road. At the time of the battle, this road ran from Mechanicsville to Cold Harbor.
2. Places To Go in Richmond National Battlefield Park. National Park Service website. (Submitted on January 4, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of North Arlington, New Jersey.)
3. The Seven Days Battle. HistoryCentral.com website. (Submitted on January 4, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of North Arlington, New Jersey.)
By Bill Coughlin, April 24, 2007
4. Beaver Dam Creek
This photo looks in the direction of the Confederate attack. The Pennsylvanians were positioned on the far side of the creek during the June 26, 1862 battle.
By Bill Coughlin, April 24, 2007
5. Richmond National Battlefield Park
Marker is in the Beaver Dam Creek Unit of Richmond National Battlefield Park.
By Bill Coughlin, April 24, 2007
6. Maps from Marker
The large map above shows the general shape of the lines south of the Chichahominy River on June 27. On that morning (see inset), Porter’s Union forces abandoned this position and moved eastward, eventually taking an even stronger position behind Boatswain’s Creek four miles east of here. Lee’s army pursued on four parallel roads and reached New Cold Harbor in time to fight the Battle of Gaine’s Mill. The driving tour follows Porter’s line of retreat past historic Walnut Grove and Gaines’ Millpond to the Watt House.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on January 4, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of North Arlington, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 932 times since then and 17 times this year. Last updated on January 12, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Mechanicsville, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on January 4, 2009, by Bill Coughlin of North Arlington, New Jersey. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
RSS Feed