Fredericksburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Eyewitness To Battle
The Diary of Private McCarter, Part 1
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"Fall in" was the "death-knell"
| | Battle of Fredericksburg | |
Photographed by Mike McKeown, April 11, 2026
1. Eyewitness to Battle Marker
"Fall in' was the 'death-knell' to many a brave and loyal heart in the Irish Brigade of the Army of the Potomac on that ever memorable dark 13th of December, 1862." Pvt. William McCarter
On December 13, 1862, the Irish Brigade, one of the most famous regiments in the Union army, fell in here at City Dock before attacking the imposing Confederate position on Marye's Heights during the Battle of Fredericksburg.
Their commander, Gen. Thomas Meagher, had sprigs of boxwood distributed to the assembled men. The green sprigs, which symbolized the unit's Irish heritage, were a substitute for the brigade's emerald flag, which had been shipped home to repair battle damage. The greenery would later come to represent the brigade's experiences here on that day; for over a century, residents of Fredericksburg preserved the pieces of boxwood handed to the Irish Brigade, including one belonging to Private William McCarter.
McCarter, born in Ireland around 1841, was a member of the 116th Pennsylvania, part of the famed brigade. His memoir, My Life in the Irish Brigade, provides a perceptive and immersive account of the unit's experiences during the battle, from the relatively calm beginning here at City Dock to their horrific ordeal at Marye's Heights. The story of Private McCarter
this page online
"[General Meagher] sent to our officers the bunches of boxwood, requesting them to present in his name a green sprig to each man in the ranks. They were to stick these bits of green in their caps before advancing against the enemy... the 'green sprig' and the 'green flag, which the Rebels had frequently admitted was a terror to them because they well knew the dogged, stubborn fighting qualities of the men who bore them."[Captions:]
- Union Pvt. William McCarter, My Life in the Irish Brigade
William McCarter after the war. McCarter lived in Fredericksburg from 1885-1886. Courtesy Historical Society of Pennsylvania
Follow the story of William McCarter and the Irish Brigade on this 6-stop trail.
Erected 2026 by Virginia Civil War Trails.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Civil War Trails series list. A significant historical date for this entry is December 13, 1862.
Location. 38° 17.79′ N, 77° 27.221′ W. Marker is in Fredericksburg, Virginia. It is on Sophia Street 0.2 miles south of Frederick Street, on the left when traveling south. Next to the parking lot for the City Dock Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 207 Sophia St, Fredericksburg VA 22401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Photographed by Mike McKeown, April 11, 2026
2. Eyewitness to Battle Marker
Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area and in Northern 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: Washington's Boyhood Home (here, next to this marker); Rocky Lane (a few steps from this marker); No Outlet (within shouting distance of this marker); The Slave Ship Othello (within shouting distance of this marker); The Middle Passage (within shouting distance of this marker); George Washingtons Boyhood Home at Ferry Farm (within shouting distance of this marker); Fredericksburg's Wharves and Harbor (within shouting distance of this marker); Irish Brigade (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fredericksburg.
Other markers no longer nearby. Fredericksburg City Dock (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); a different marker also named Fredericksburg City Dock (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed); a different marker also named Fredericksburg City Dock (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed).
Also see . . .
1. Battle of Fredericksburg (American Battlefield Trust ). (Submitted on April 11, 2026, by Mike McKeown of Baltimore, Maryland.)
2. Under Erin's Harp: The Irish Brigade (National Museum of Civil War Medicine). (Submitted on April 12, 2026, by Mike McKeown of Baltimore, Maryland.)
Library of Congress
3. Union Gen. Thomas Meagher
April 17, 2026
4. Pvt. William McCarter
April 17, 2026
5. Detail of Tour Map
Credits. This page was last revised on May 6, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 11, 2026. This page has been viewed 39 times since then. Last updated on April 18, 2026. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 11, 2026, by Mike McKeown of Baltimore, Maryland. 3. submitted on April 12, 2026, by Mike McKeown of Baltimore, Maryland. 4, 5. submitted on April 18, 2026. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
