Near Spotsylvania Courthouse in Spotsylvania County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Spindle House
Photographed by Craig Swain, July 6, 2008
1. The Spindle House Marker
A large frame house belonging to Sarah Spindle stood here in 1864. The opening engagement of the Spotsylvania Campaign swirled across the Spindle Farm on the morning of May 8 as Union troops dashed through these open fields toward the Confederate battle line ahead in the woods. A Federal soldier from the Maryland Brigade described the scene on this ridge:
"The enemy opened with shell, followed by canister and then double canister from the cross fire guns on their right. Their fire increased in intensity, as the attack advanced .... Naturally enough the front rank was goaded into a return fire, individual progress was naturally retarded by the act of aiming and reloading; men from the rear pressed impatiently forward to repeat the process. In this way, ranks and regiments became intermingled, straggling was made easy, the time of exposure was fatally prolonged...."
The Spindle House caught fire during the battle and burned to the ground.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is May 8, 1828.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 38° 12.83′ N, 77° 36.978′ W. Marker was near Spotsylvania Courthouse, Virginia, in Spotsylvania County. It could
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: A different marker also named Spindle House (within shouting distance of this marker); Fight for the Fences (approx. 0.2 miles away); Warren's Line (approx. 0.2 miles away); Laurel Hill (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Race for Spotsylvania Court House (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Death of Sedgwick (approx. 0.3 miles away); Sedgwick (approx. 0.3 miles away); Laurel Hill Trail (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Spotsylvania Courthouse.
Other markers no longer nearby. Maryland Monument (was about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been permanently removed); Spotsylvania Campaign (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been permanently removed).
Also see . . . Laurel Hill Trail. Stone Sentinels website entry (Submitted on December 8, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed by Craig Swain, July 6, 2008
2. Laurel Hill Trail
Two markers along the trail detail the Spindle House and fighting in this sector.
Photographed by Craig Swain, July 6, 2008
3. Advancing Federals
From the marker location looking south. The Federals of Warren's Corps advanced across the fields here toward the distant tree line. Crawford's Federal Brigade was arrayed near this location. Denison's Maryland (Federal) Brigade advanced on the left of Crawford's, near the Brock Road. Confederates defending in this sector included Field's and Kershaw's Divisions.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 14, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,558 times since then and 39 times this year. Last updated on May 19, 2026, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 14, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
