Near Spotsylvania Courthouse in Spotsylvania County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Spotsylvania Campaign
Photographed by Craig Swain, July 6, 2008
1. Spotsylvania Campaign Marker
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 12, 1864.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 38° 13.401′ N, 77° 36.007′ W. Marker was near Spotsylvania Courthouse, Virginia, in Spotsylvania County. It could be reached from Grant Drive, on the left when traveling east. Located at tour stop three (Bloody Angle) on the driving tour of Spotsylvania Battlefield unit of the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. The marker is a short walk from the parking area, on the Bloody
this page online
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: McGowan's Brigade (a few steps from this marker); 49th New York Infantry (a few steps from this marker); 15th Regiment New Jersey Volunteers (within shouting distance of this marker); Aftermath (within shouting distance of this marker); The Confederate Earthworks (within shouting distance of this marker); Struggle for the Bloody Angle (within shouting distance of this marker); Bloody Angle, Crowded Ravine (within shouting distance of this marker); Attack on the Muleshoe (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Spotsylvania Courthouse.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Spotsylvania Campaign (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed).
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Battle of Spotsylvania - Tour Stop - the Bloody Angle
Photographed by Craig Swain, July 6, 2008
2. Campaign Map
Left side: The Bloody Angle May 12, 1864
Hancock's thrust penetrated the Salient as far as the secondary line south of the McCoull House. Counterattack drove Hancock's men back to, but not beyond, the top of the Salient. Wright's VI Corps was then thrown into the action along the west face of the Salient, and here ensued the struggle of the Bloody Angle. Though Warren and Burnside could not shake the Confederate flanks, Lee knew that his desperately renewed hold on the Salient was bound to weaken. Thus, while his soldiers here fought grimly on, other troops were constructing a new line to which the weary defenders could retreat.
Right side: Situation May 13, 1864
Lee has now evacuated the "Mule Shoe" and pulled its defenders back to the new line. The new center and the old flanks present a more defensible position. The top of the old Salient has been incorporated into the shifting Federal trench system. During the next several days Grant will continue to maneuver by the left, farther eastward and southward.
Double click on the photograph to view the map details.
Hancock's thrust penetrated the Salient as far as the secondary line south of the McCoull House. Counterattack drove Hancock's men back to, but not beyond, the top of the Salient. Wright's VI Corps was then thrown into the action along the west face of the Salient, and here ensued the struggle of the Bloody Angle. Though Warren and Burnside could not shake the Confederate flanks, Lee knew that his desperately renewed hold on the Salient was bound to weaken. Thus, while his soldiers here fought grimly on, other troops were constructing a new line to which the weary defenders could retreat.
Right side: Situation May 13, 1864
Lee has now evacuated the "Mule Shoe" and pulled its defenders back to the new line. The new center and the old flanks present a more defensible position. The top of the old Salient has been incorporated into the shifting Federal trench system. During the next several days Grant will continue to maneuver by the left, farther eastward and southward.
Double click on the photograph to view the map details.
Photographed by Craig Swain, July 6, 2008
3. Tour Stop Three
Two markers and a campaign map stand at the start of the Bloody Angle trail.
Photographed by Craig Swain, July 6, 2008
4. Federal Attack
Looking from across the open field opposite the marker location. The red backs of the markers can be seen between the two monuments in the distant right. Initially Federals from Birney's and Mott's Divisions advanced across the fields here. Later in the day elements of Wright's Corps were sent across here to reinforce the gains in the Mule Shoe.
Photographed by Craig Swain, November 10, 2007
5. Fighting at the Bloody Angle
From a diorama in the Chancellorsville Visitor Center. The depicted scene gives some indication of fierceness of the hand to hand combat.
via National Park Service, unknown
6. Bloody Angle
National Park Service Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park website entry
Click for more information.
Click for more information.
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 1,428 times since then and 17 times this year. Last updated on May 19, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 15, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 5. submitted on August 25, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 6. submitted on December 3, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
