Petersburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Up and Over
| | Petersburg National Battlefield | |
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, February 17, 2025
1. Up and Over Marker
On the morning of the explosion lead Union troops were lying behind the picket line (up on the bluff above you). "The night was not very dark, a waning moon hung phantom-like in the north-east, over our pine woods. The column was closely massed in regimental lines of battle, but without noise, fearing to alarm the enemy," remembered a Union soldier.
The 3rd Division of the Ninth Corps went through the covered way (on your left) into the battle and into a "storm of every conceivable missile." These men swung south of the Crater to stem Confederate counterattacks.
Next was the all-black 4th Division that, though trained to lead the assault, was switched to the rear before the explosion. Coming up, their commander Colonel Henry Thomas realized, "The crater was already to full; that I could easily see," and led his men north of it under intense Confederate Fire.
Division Commanders of the Union 9th Corps General James Ledlie, 1st Division (LOC)
General Robert Porter, 2nd Division (LOC)
General Orlando Willcox (seated center), 3rd Division (LOC)
General Edward Ferrero, 4th Division (LOC)
Erected by
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is July 30, 1864.
Location. 37° 13.085′ N, 77° 22.485′ W. Marker is in Petersburg, Virginia. It can be reached from Siege Road 3 miles south of Oaklawn Boulevard (Virginia Route 36), on the right when traveling south. This marker is on a disused trail between the Taylor Farm/Fort Morton Tour Stop and the Crater Tour Stop on Siege Road. The marker is in the field between the railroad and Poor Creek, to the right of the Tour Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5001 Siege Rd, Petersburg VA 23803, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central 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 distance of this marker: Digging the Mine (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Union Picket Line (about 600 feet away); Ventilation Shaft (about 600 feet away); A Stupendous Failure (approx. 0.2 miles away); Confederate Counterattack (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Crater (approx. 0.2 miles away); Crater of Mine (approx. 0.2 miles away); Confederate Countermine (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Petersburg.
Other markers no longer nearby. Dash into the Crater (was about 600 feet away but has been confirmed missing); Prelude to the Crater
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, February 17, 2025
2. Up and Over Marker
Side-view of marker along the tree line. Poor Creek is at immediate left, the railroad is off to the right. The ground is often marshy and the trail is not distinct.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.
Also see . . . Petersburg National Battlefield. National Park Service (Submitted on February 28, 2025.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 28, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 25, 2025, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 144 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 25, 2025, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
