Near Mechanicsville in Hanover County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Battle Begins
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, February 23, 2009
1. The Battle Begins Marker
Porter’s soldiers rested their muskets across a make-shift breastwork of felled trees, bales of hay, and knapsacks. A Union soldier remembered “an ominous silence” that covered the battlefield moments before Lee launched his first assault at 2:30 p.m.Union shells screamed overhead ripping huge gaps in the charging Southern lines. When the Confederates reached the exposed high ground across the creek, Porter’s infantry greeted the attackers with “deadly and staggering volleys.” Uncoordinated Confederate attacks at Gaines’ Mill demonstrated the advantage of the defense during Civil War battles.
Erected by National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil.
Location. 37° 34.509′ N, 77° 17.583′ W. Marker is near Mechanicsville, Virginia, in Hanover County. Marker can be reached from Watt House Road, 0.7 miles south of Cold Harbor Road (Virginia Route 156), on the right when traveling south. This marker is located on the walking trail
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Union Left Flank (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Powerful Position (about 300 feet away); Confederate Grand Assault (about 300 feet away); The Decisive Moment (about 300 feet away); Hood's Attack (about 300 feet away); Whiting's Advance (about 400 feet away); Pickett’s Brigade, CSA (about 500 feet away); Battle of Gaines' Mill (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mechanicsville.
Also see . . . CWSAC Battle Summary. Gaines’ Mill (Submitted on February 23, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.)
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, February 23, 2009
2. The Battle Begins Marker
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, February 23, 2009
3. Boatswain's Creek
Credits. This page was last revised on November 5, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 23, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,234 times since then and 5 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 23, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.
