Near Spotsylvania Courthouse in Spotsylvania County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Fight for the Fences
The Battle of Spotsylvania Court House
| | Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park | |
Photographed by Mike McKeown, June 3, 2022
1. Fight for the Fences Marker
I have done my best, but with the force I now have I cannot attack again.... General Gouverneur K. Warren, USA
General Gouverneur K. Warren led the Army of the Potomacs march to Spotsylvania. As morning dawned, Warren was optimistic he could take the village. The oposition to us amounts to nothing as yet, he informed superiors. If there is nothing but cavalry, we shall scarcely halt
When Union troops reached this ridge, however, they encountered not cavalry, but Confederate infantry and artillery. Warren was undeterred. Never mind bullets! Neber mind cannon! he roared, Press on and clear this road! The Maryland Brigade charged across the field behind you and engaged the Confederates here in hand-to-hand combat over a hasty barrier made of fence rails, loose timber, and even household furniture. But their momentum was spent. After a brief struggle, the Marylanders and the rest of Warrens command retreated.
[Caption:]
The Maryland Brigade lost 189 men in its assault on Laurel Hill. As the survivors streamed toward the rear, General Warren seized a flag and attempted to rally them.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed
this page online
Location. 38° 12.707′ N, 77° 36.921′ W. Marker is near Spotsylvania Courthouse, Virginia, in Spotsylvania County. It can be reached from Pritchett Road (County Route 685) 0.1 miles west of Old Blockhouse Lane (County Route 648), on the right when traveling west. The marker stands on the Laurel Hill Trail slighty north of the Maryland Brigade monument (seen in background). Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 9225 Pritchett Road, Spotsylvania VA 22551, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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: A different marker also named Spindle House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Warren's Line (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Race for Spotsylvania Court House (approx. 0.4 miles away); Laurel Hill (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Death of Sedgwick (approx. 0.4 miles away); Sedgwick (approx. 0.4 miles away); Laurel Hill Trail (approx. 0.4 miles away); Grant's May 18th Attack (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Spotsylvania Courthouse.
Other markers no longer nearby. Maryland Monument (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed); The Spindle House (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been permanently removed); Spotsylvania Campaign
Photographed by Mike McKeown, April 11, 2026
2. Fight for the Fences Marker
maker with Maryland stone marker in background.
Also see . . . Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park. National Park Service website entry (Submitted on June 6, 2022.)
Photographed by Mike McKeown, April 11, 2026
3. Fight for the Fences Marker
Back of marker with photo taken from road
Credits. This page was last revised on April 13, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 6, 2022, by Mike McKeown of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 359 times since then and 31 times this year. Last updated on March 31, 2026, by Mike McKeown of Baltimore, Maryland. Photos: 1. submitted on June 6, 2022, by Mike McKeown of Baltimore, Maryland. 2, 3. submitted on April 12, 2026, by Mike McKeown of Baltimore, Maryland. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
