Near Spotsylvania in Spotsylvania County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Death of Sedgwick
By Kevin W., November 19, 2007
1. The Death of Sedgwick Marker
Maj. Gen. John Sedgwick, commander of the Sixth Corps, was one of the most popular senior officers in the Army of the Potomac. On the morning of May 9, 1864, Sedgwick arrived here to direct some minor redeployment of his troops. Ignoring warnings from his chief-of-staff, Sedgwick stalked about admonishing his men to cease worrying about the occasional fire of Confederate sharpshooters concealed in the woodline far to your front. “I am ashamed of you, dodging that way,” scolded Sedgwick. “They couldn’t hit an elephant at this distance.” Shortly thereafter, a bullet slammed into the general’s face, killing him almost instantly.The shot that killed John Sedgwick, the highest-ranking Northern officer to die on a Civil War battlefield, came from a Whitworth rifle at a distance of more than 500 yards. The identity of the marksman who fired the fatal shot remains a mystery, although at least five Confederate soldiers later claimed responsibility.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is May 9, 1864.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another
By Kevin W., November 19, 2007
2. The Death of Sedgwick Marker is on the right.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Sedgwick (here, next to this marker); Laurel Hill Trail (here, next to this marker); Laurel Hill (a few steps from this marker); The Race for Spotsylvania Court House (a few steps from this marker); Spotsylvania Campaign (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Spotsylvania Campaign (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named The Death of Sedgwick (a few steps from this marker); A Different Kind of War (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Spotsylvania.
More about this marker. This marker was replaced by a new one also named The Death of Sedgwick (see nearby markers)
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Memorials and markers to John Sedgwick
Also see . . .
1. The Death of General John Sedgwick. An historical record of the event by Martin T. McMahon, Brevet Major-General, United States Volunteers; Chief-of-Staff, Sixth Corps at the time of Sedgwick's death. (Submitted on November 19, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.)
2. The Killing of "Uncle John"
By Kevin W., November 19, 2007
3. The Death of Sedgwick Marker
Library of Congress, May 20, 2016
4. Major General John Sedgwick
of 2nd Regular Army Cavalry Regiment
of 2nd Regular Army Cavalry Regiment
by Brady's National Photographic Portrait Galleries 1861 and 1864.
By Mike Stroud, circa 1991
5. The Death of Sedgwick Artist Illustration
By Craig Swain, July 6, 2008
6. Spotsylvania "Compass"
As at other locations in the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park, a compass indicates the direction and distance to locations important to the battle and campaigns. From the north (right) are indicated Chancellorsville (6.3 m), Washington (60 m), Bloody Angle (0.9 m), Lee's Final Line (0.7 m), Federal Line (2.1 m), Spotsylvania C.H. (2 m), Confederate front (0.3 m), Richmond (50 m), Po River (1 m), Shady Grove Church (5.5 m), Todd's Tavern (3.5 m), and Brock-Plank Crossroads (7.7 m).
Credits. This page was last revised on September 18, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 19, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,253 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 19, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 4. submitted on September 17, 2020, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 5. submitted on March 29, 2008, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 6. submitted on August 13, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
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