Spotsylvania Courthouse in Spotsylvania County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Through Fire and Flames
| | Spotsylvania Courthouse Historic District | |
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, November 29, 2024
1. Through Fire and Flames Marker
Before the building served as a Confederate field hospital, it was likely used as a headquarters of Gen. Jubal Early (left).
Artillery pummeled the area here, leaving many courthouse commons buildings with telltale scars in their brickwork.
On July 3, 1899, a fire at a neighboring store spread to the church. Damage from the blaze revealed a large artillery shell that had passed through the front doors and became hidden in one of the walls during the Civil War battle decades prior.
After the fire, the congregation rallied to raise funds and repaired the building.
(Photo Caption)
ABOVE: A 1905 view of the Spotsylvania Courthouse area shows Berea Church at left. Damage from an 1899 fire revealed a large artillery shell hidden within one of its walls. Courtesy of Spotsylvania County Clerk of Court
Erected by Spotsylvania County Museum.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Religion & Religious Structures • War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1864.
Location. 38° 12.02′ N, 77°
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Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area, in Northern Virginia, and in the Piedmont. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Mid-Atlantic. 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: Back to the Start (a few steps from this marker); A Case of Negligence (within shouting distance of this marker); Modification, Decay & Preservation (within shouting distance of this marker); The Burying Ground (within shouting distance of this marker); A Jailor is Jailed (within shouting distance of this marker); Booth Hall (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); A Fateful Ride (about 300 feet away); Turning the Pages of Time (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Spotsylvania Courthouse.
Other markers no longer nearby. Amid Shot and Shell (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); Berea Christian Church (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Spotsylvania County Jail (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Spotsylvania Courthouse and Jail (was within shouting distance
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, November 29, 2024
2. Berea Christian Church
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. It preceded this marker in the same location.
Photographed by Evan Dwyer, November 29, 2024
3. Bullet Damage
On Berea Church, left of the front door if looking at the entrance. There are other marks lower on the wall obscured by the bushes. The same is true of the wall on the right side of the door.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 24, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 23, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 58 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 23, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
