Petersburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
A Fatal Error
| — | Petersburg National Battlefield | — |
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 23, 2007
1. A Fatal Error Marker
For weeks the black troops had rehearsed their role as spearhead of the assault. But late on July 29, fearing public outcry should the African-American troops suffer heavy casualties, Meade ordered Burnside to pick another, all-white division to lead the attack. The unprepared white troops—and the attack—faltered.
The last-minute decision did not spare the black troops the horror of the day. The division joined the battle at 8 a.m., when the fighting had degenerated into a brutal, confused brawl. More than 200 black troops died. Another 400 were missing—many of them dead too. No Union division in the battle suffered more.
(sidebar) Maj. Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside (left) advocated using African-American troops to lead the assault. When overruled, he let his division commanders draw straws for the assignment. By this method, Burnside’s weakest division commander, James Ledlie, was chosen.
(caption) African-American troops at drill under the gaze of their white officers. Every black regiment was commanded by white commissioned
this page online
Petersburg Time Line
9 months and 18 days
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 date for this entry is July 29, 1864.
Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 37° 13.104′ N, 77° 22.305′ W. Marker was in Petersburg, Virginia. It was on Siege Road, on the right when traveling south. Marker is in Petersburg National Battlefield on the Auto Tour Road at Tour Stop 7. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Petersburg VA 23803, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker was in Central Virginia. It was also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found 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 distance of this location: Waiting Their Turn (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Up and Over (approx. 0.2 miles away); Digging the Mine (approx. ¼ mile away); Ventilation Shaft (approx. ¼ mile away); The Struggle Across Poor Creek (approx. ¼ mile away); The Union Picket Line (approx. ¼ mile away); Joshua L. Chamberlain Promoted “On The Spot” (approx. 0.3 miles away); “A Stupendous Failure” (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Petersburg.
Other markers no longer nearby. Prelude to the Crater (was here, next to this marker but has been confirmed missing); Dash into the Crater
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 23, 2007
2. Markers on the Site of the Taylor Farm
The site of the Crater can be seen in the background of this photo.
Also see . . .
1. Petersburg National Battlefield. National Park Service. (Submitted on April 12, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
2. The Battle of the Crater: July 30, 1864. The Siege of Petersburg Online (Submitted on April 12, 2008.)
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 23, 2007
3. Site of the Crater
On this site, on July 30, 1864, Burnside's troops attempted to follow up on the explosion of the mine, but failed to achieve a breakthrough of the Confederate lines. They were driven back with heavy losses.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 27, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 12, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,514 times since then and 8 times this year. Last updated on February 24, 2025, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 12, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
