Near Spotsylvania Courthouse in Spotsylvania County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

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Spotsylvania Campaign

Photographed by Craig Swain, July 6, 2008

1. Spotsylvania Campaign Marker

Inscription. May 10, 1864. Here along the west face of the Confederate Salient, or "Mule Shoe," Dole's Brigade of Ewell's II Corps had been alert all afternoon. At 6 p.m., when Federal cannonading ceased, it seemed the day would end quietly. Then Upton's regiments erupted from the woods and dashed across 200 yards of cleared area to pierce the lines and capture an artillery battery, shattering the calm into frenzied struggle. Meeting vigorous counterattack, Upton fell back, leaving the battery. Each side lost about 1,000 men, killed, wounded and missing. The partial Union success led to the idea of a large attack against the apex of the Confederate Salient.

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 May 10, 1857.

Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 38° 13.334′ N, 77° 36.119′ W. Marker was near Spotsylvania Courthouse, Virginia, in Spotsylvania County. It was on Anderson Drive, on the right when traveling south. Located south of tour stop three (The Bloody Angle) on the driving tour of Spotsylvania Battlefield unit of the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National

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Military Park. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Spotsylvania VA 22553, United States of America.

We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.

Regionally, this marker was in the Washington Metropolitan Area,

in Northern Virginia,

and in the Piedmont.

It was also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

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: The Muleshoe Salient (about 500 feet away); Aftermath (about 500 feet away); Confederate Counterattack (about 600 feet away); Upton’s Assault (about 600 feet away); Ramseur's Brigade (about 600 feet away); Attack on the Muleshoe (about 600 feet away); Bloody Angle, Crowded Ravine (about 600 feet away); McGowan's Brigade (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Spotsylvania Courthouse.

Other markers no longer nearby. Spotsylvania Campaign (was about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been permanently removed); Doles Salient (was about 600 feet away but has been permanently removed).

Also see . . . The Union's Bloody Miscue at Spotsylvania's Muleshoe. Upton's attack used some new tactics in order to deal with the heavily fortified position. Unfortunately he was not supported as planned. (Submitted on August 15, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

Photographed by Craig Swain, July 6, 2008

2. Spotsylvania Campaign Marker

Photographed by Craig Swain, July 6, 2008

3. Dole's Line

Dole's Brigade held a line roughly parallel to the modern Anderson Drive. Remains of the entrenchments can be seen today along the road, just inside the scrub brush to the right.

Artillery Battery image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, July 6, 2008

4. Artillery Battery

Two Parrott rifles represent the battery captured by Upton's assault.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 15, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,044 times since then and 20 times this year. Last updated on May 19, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 15, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 4. submitted on August 18, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.