Fredericksburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The "Angel of Marye's Heights"
The Battle of Fredericksburg
| | Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park | |
While the Civil War entailed immense destruction and tragedy, it did not always engender hate. For two days following the battle, wounded Union soldiers, caught between the lines, cried out of water. Though exposure to enemy fire even for a moment meant almost certain death, Sergeant Richard Kirkland of the 2nd South Carolina Volunteers tried help.
Filling several canteens with water, the young Confederate stepped over the stone wall to care for his wounded enemies. When Union soldiers understood Kirkland's purpose, they ceased firing at him. For nearly two hours he continued his ministrations. Kirkland died in battle at Chickamaunga, Georgia, in September 1863.
[Caption:]
Richard Kirkland was just 19 years old when he performed his heroic deed.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1863.
Location. 38° 17.773′ N, 77° 28.09′ W. Marker is in Fredericksburg, Virginia. It is on Sunken Road north of Willis Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 701 Sunken Rd, Fredericksburg VA 22401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area and in Northern Virginia. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking
this page online
Other markers no longer nearby. Angel of Marye's Heights (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Fredericksburg Campaign (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing); a different marker also named Fredericksburg Campaign (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has replaced the linked marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 17, 2026. It was originally submitted on March 5, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 486 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 5, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
