Locust Grove in Orange County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

The Capture of Winslow's Battery

The Battle of the Wilderness

Photographed By Shane Oliver, November 25, 2017

1. The Capture of Winslow's Battery Marker

Inscription. The May 5 fighting in Saunders Field was waxing hot when Captain George B. Winslow received orders to rush two guns of Battery D, 1st New York Artillery, to the front to support Union attacks here. Dashing down the turnpike at a trot, Winslow's men crossed the ditch in front of you, unlimbered their guns across the road, and began firing into the entwined masses ahead—for a time killing friend and foe alike.

Winslow quickly saw the impossibility of his task and ordered the cannon to withdraw. Before they could, Union infantry in Winslow's front gave way, and Confederates surged towards the artillerists. The two limbered guns stalled at the ditch. Before gun crews could save the pieces, the Confederates were upon them. With their horses shot and their infantry support gone, the Union artillerymen had no choice but to abandon the guns.

"The guns were fought to the last and lost as honorably as guns could be lost."
Colonel Charles S. Wainwright
Chief of Fifth Corps Artillery

This exhibit is dedicated in memory of John H. (Pete) Clark, Jr.

Erected by Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is May 5, 1864.

Location.

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38° 19.044′ N, 77° 45.378′ W. Marker is in Locust Grove, Virginia, in Orange County. Marker can be reached from Constitution Highway (Virginia Route 20) 1.7 miles west of Germanna Highway (Virginia Route 3), on the right when traveling west. Marker is located at the Wilderness Battlefield Exhibit Shelter - Stop 2 on the Wilderness Battlefield Auto Tour Route. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Locust Grove VA 22508, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Saunders Field (here, next to this marker); The Fighting Ends in Stalemate (a few steps from this marker); Struggle on the Orange Plank Road (a few steps from this marker); Battle of the Wilderness (a few steps from this marker); Clash on the Orange Turnpike (a few steps from this marker); Collision of Giants (a few steps from this marker); The Wilderness (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named The Battle of the Wilderness (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Locust Grove.

Also see . . . Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park. National Park Service (Submitted on January 8, 2018.)

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, August 7, 2021

2. The Capture of Winslow's Battery Marker

Marker on the left next to Saunder's Field in front of the entrance to Wilderness Battlefield Exhibit Shelter

Artillery piece near The Capture of Winslow's Battery Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Shane Oliver, November 25, 2017

3. Artillery piece near The Capture of Winslow's Battery Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 21, 2021. It was originally submitted on January 5, 2018, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 398 times since then and 39 times this year. Last updated on September 5, 2020, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. Photos: 1. submitted on January 5, 2018, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. 2. submitted on August 16, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 3. submitted on January 5, 2018, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.