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

Stand Guard And Stay Awake

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, March 9, 2009

1. Stand Guard And Stay Awake Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

This well preserved rifle pit is one of many that extended across this hilltop and along the entire front. It marks the most advanced Federal position in this sector, only 50 yards from similar Confederate pits on the opposite crest.

Soldiers posted in these depressions gave early warning of any unusual enemy movements. Because they were so close to the enemy, many of these positions could be occupied only at night.

Erected by National Park Service.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil.

Location. 37° 35.337′ N, 77° 17.07′ 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 Deadly Delay (within shouting distance of this

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marker); We Have Broken Through (within shouting distance of this marker); A Captured Trench (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Keep Digging (about 300 feet away); Keep Your Head Down (about 400 feet away); Battle of Cold Harbor (about 400 feet away); 2nd Connecticut Volunteer Heavy Artillery (about 600 feet away); A Bloody Baptism of Fire (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. CWSAC Battle Summary. Cold Harbor (Submitted on March 8, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.)

3. 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

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, March 9, 2009

3. Rifle Pit

Cold Harbor Battlefield image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bernard Fisher, March 9, 2009

4. 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 956 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 8, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.