Near Mechanicsville in Hanover County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Union Left Flank
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, February 23, 2009
1. The Union Left Flank Marker
This loop trail visits the left of the Union line. Along it you will learn about the charge of General Pickett’s Confederate brigade; see more of the ground stubbornly defended by General Morell’s division; learn of the bravery displayed by an Alabama flag-bearer; and read the stories of Federal soldiers who received the Medal of Honor for outstanding heroism at Gaines’ Mill. The final markers discuss the collapse of the Union position; the ill-advised twilight cavalry charge; and a fatal case of mistaken identity. Original rifle pits constructed by Union soldiers. survive along this trail.Although the many signs along this walk deal with the experiences of men in both Blue and Gray, please remember that at all times you will be on ground defended by Federal infantry. The Southern soldiers, whose words you will read in the next few minutes, mostly wrote from the perspective of the other side of the creek--private property not preserved by the national park and not accessible today.
This loop is one mile long and winds back into the primary trail at the Confederate breakthrough point.
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Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil.
Location. 37° 34.469′ N, 77° 17.609′ 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 along Boatswain Creek in the Gaines' Mill Battlefield unit of the 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 marker. Confederate Grand Assault (a few steps from this marker); Hood's Attack (within shouting distance of this marker); Whiting's Advance (within shouting distance of this marker); The Decisive Moment (within shouting distance of this marker); Pickett’s Brigade, CSA (within shouting distance of this marker); The Battle Begins (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Federal Collapse (about 500 feet away); Final Stand (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mechanicsville.
More about this marker. On the right is a map of the Union left flank with the caption, "Late in the battle, two Confederate divisions were
Photographed By Bernard Fisher, February 23, 2009
2. Map of the the Union Left Flank.
Gaines’ Mill June 27,1862 – 7:00 P.M. [by Michael Gorman]
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
3. The Union Left Flank Marker
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 1,159 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 23, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.
