Near Spotsylvania Courthouse in Spotsylvania County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Vista Clearing at Spotsylvania
Photographed by Craig Swain, July 6, 2008
1. Vista Clearing at Spotsylvania Marker
Somewhat battered but still intact.
Over a century has elapsed since the destiny of the nation was debated by arms at Spotsylvania. Many physical changes have altered the appearance of the battlefield during these years including the reclamation of old fields and pastures by an ever-encroaching forest. In 1978 the National Park Service began a vista clearing program aimed at restoring the historic scene at crucial points on the battlefield. Using documented evidence and careful methods to ensure preservation of existing historical features, this project allows park visitors to better understand the fighting and to view the terrain as the participants did in 1864.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1978.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 38° 13.592′ N, 77° 35.903′ W. Marker was near Spotsylvania Courthouse, Virginia, in Spotsylvania County. It could be reached from Grant Drive, on the left when traveling east. Located on the Bloody Angle trail at tour stop three (Bloody Angle) on the driving tour of Spotsylvania Battlefield unit of the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National 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
this page online
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: Dawn Assault (approx. 0.2 miles away); Fatal Mistake at the East Angle (approx. 0.2 miles away); Farm to Killing Field (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Landram House (approx. 0.2 miles away); "The Toughest Fight Yet" (approx. 0.2 miles away); 126th Ohio Volunteer Infantry (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Confederate Earthworks (approx. 0.2 miles away); Struggle for the Bloody Angle (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Spotsylvania Courthouse.
Photographed by Craig Swain, July 6, 2008
2. Stop along the Bloody Angle Trail
Photographed by Craig Swain, July 6, 2008
3. Generals Hancock and Wright Fighting for the Rebel Rifle-Pits
A reprint of a newspaper illustration is on a plaque next to the marker.
Photographed by Craig Swain, July 6, 2008
4. Restored Tree Line and Fields
The results of roughly three decades of restoration and management are apparent. This view looks to the east from the marker location toward the tree line, where the Confederate defenses were anchored.
via National Park Service, unknown
5. 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 1,131 times since then and 16 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 November 28, 2024, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
