Near Mechanicsville in Hanover County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Keep Digging

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, March 9, 2009

1. Keep Digging Marker

Inscription. These trenches represent a dramatic change in battlefield tactics. When the two armies met on this ground in 1862, soldiers fought shoulder to shoulder; victory was often dependent upon the success or failure of a dramatic charge.

By 1864 field fortifications played an increasingly significant role in determining the outcome of a battle. Despite the obvious advantage held by an entrenched army, commanders continued to order frontal assaults against these nearly impregnable positions, resulting in enormous casualties.

Erected by National Park Service.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1862.

Location. 37° 35.307′ N, 77° 17.018′ W. Marker is near Mechanicsville, Virginia, in Hanover County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Anderson-Wright Drive and Cold Harbor Road (Virginia Route 156). This marker is located along the walking trail in the Cold Harbor Battlefield Unit of the Richmond National Battlefield Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5515 Anderson-Wright Drive, 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. A Captured Trench (a few steps from this marker); Keep Your Head Down (within shouting distance of this marker); We Have Broken Through

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Battle of Cold Harbor (within shouting distance of this marker); Stand Guard And Stay Awake (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); A Deadly Delay (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Battle of Cold Harbor (about 600 feet away); 2nd Connecticut Volunteer Heavy Artillery (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mechanicsville.

Also see . . .
1. Richmond National Battlefield Park. Cold Harbor (Submitted on March 8, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.)

2. Cold Harbor Battlefield Virtual Tour by Markers. This is one of the many markers along the walking trail, extended loop trail, and auto tour route in the Cold Harbor Battlefield Unit of the Richmond National Battlefield Park. (Submitted on March 9, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.)

Cold Harbor Walking Trail. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, March 9, 2009

2. Cold Harbor Walking Trail.

Cold Harbor Battlefield image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, March 9, 2009

3. Cold Harbor Battlefield

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on March 8, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,012 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 8, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.