Petersburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Prelude to the Crater
| | Petersburg National Battlefield | |
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 23, 2007
1. Prelude to the Crater Marker
- Col. Stephen M. Weld, 50th Massachusetts July 28, 1864
The predawn darkness of July 30, 1864, shrouded intense Union preparations on this ridge. Thousands of troops filed quietly into the ravine and trenches in front. More than 160 cannon crowded the earthworks to your right and left. Maj. Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside, commander of the attacking force, took his place in the 14-gun battery (Fort Morton) behind you. By 3:30 a.m. all was ready. Only one detail remained: the explosion of the mine.
(map caption) The Federals massed nearly 15,000 men and more than 160 cannons for the attack. Most of the earthworks that protected them were plowed over by the Taylor family after the war.
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 28, 1864.
Location. Marker has been reported missing. It was located near 37° 13.105′ N, 77° 22.306′ W. Marker was in Petersburg
this page online
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. Ό mile away); Ventilation Shaft (approx. Ό mile away); The Struggle Across Poor Creek (approx. Ό mile away); The Union Picket Line (approx. Ό 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. A Fatal Error (was here, next to this marker but has been confirmed missing); Dash into the Crater (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
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 August 28, 2023.)
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 23, 2007
2. Marker and Remains of the Taylor Kitchen
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 23, 2007
3. Taylor Kitchen Remains
All of the Taylor farm buildings were destroyed at the start of the siege. Only the foundations of the Taylor kitchen and slave quarters remain today.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 23, 2007
4. Detail of Marker Map
Map shows the Confederate and Union fortifications in the vicinity of the marker.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 23, 2007
5. Markers at Taylor Farm.
There are two markers relating to the Crater at this location. The site of the Crater can be seen in the background.
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, October 30, 2010
6. View of the Crater from Fort Morton
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 1,336 times since then and 16 times this year. Last updated on February 24, 2025, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 12, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 6. submitted on October 31, 2010, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
