Near Locust Grove in Orange County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
A Military Scene
The Battle of the Wilderness
— Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park —
Photographed By Shane Oliver, October 7, 2017
1. New A Military Scene Marker
As one of the few large open areas in the Wilderness, the broad fields north and east of Ellwood assumed instant importance during the battle here. While fighting raged a miles to the west, the fields around Ellwood filled with artillery and wagon trains. Provost guards kept watch over Confederate prisoners; surgeons established field hospitals for the wounded; and rough teamsters held their mule-drawn wagons in readiness to carry ammunition to the front.
In the yard of the house and extending northward along the ridge, Union batteries lobbed shells at targets more than a mile away. The fusillade touched off an angry response from Confederate guns, prompting one staff officer to suggest that Grant move his headquarters further to the rear. The Union commander had other ideas. "It strikes me it would be better to order up some artillery and defend the present position," he replied.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil.
Location. 38° 19.146′ N, 77° 43.882′ W. Marker is near Locust Grove, Virginia, in Orange County. Marker can be reached from Constitution Highway (State Highway 20) 0.6 miles
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named A Military Scene (here, next to this marker); Union Headquarters (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Union Headquarters (here, next to this marker); Ellwood (within shouting distance of this marker); Archeology at Ellwood (within shouting distance of this marker); A Busy Place (within shouting distance of this marker); The Yard: A Busy Place (within shouting distance of this marker); Toil Without Choice at Ellwood (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Locust Grove.
Also see . . .
1. Old Marker at this Location. This marker replaced an older one at this location also titled “A Military Scene". (Submitted on August 21, 2021.)
2. Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park. National Park Service (Submitted on August 21, 2021.)
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, August 7, 2021
2. A Military Scene Marker
Marker to the right with Ellwood in background
Credits. This page was last revised on August 21, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 20, 2021, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 107 times since then and 5 times this year. 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. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
