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

Hamilton's Crossing

Photographed by Kevin W., December 9, 2007

1. Hamilton's Crossing Marker

Inscription.
This trail leads 0.2 miles to Hamilton’s Crossing on the Richmond, Fredericksburg and Potomac Railroad. Named for Captain George Hamilton whos home, “Forest Hill,” once stood on a nearby knoll. Hamilton’s Crossing marks the intersection of the historic Mine Road with the railroad.

The small depot became a major Confederate railhead in November 1862. Union artillery located across the Rappahannock River could fire upon the tracks immediately south of Fredericksburg, so trains from Richmond unloaded supplies in safety at Hamilton’s Crossing. Confederate troops defended Hamilton’s Crossing during the Battle of Fredericksburg and camped in the vicinity during the winter of 1862-3.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Military • Railroads & Streetcars • War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1862.

Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. 38° 14.872′ N, 77° 26.123′ W. Marker is near Fredericksburg, Virginia, in Spotsylvania County. It is on Lee Drive. Marker is at the end of Lee Drive in the Fredericksburg National Military Park, just beyond a fence. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6 Lee Dr, Fredericksburg VA 22408, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area,

in Northern Virginia,

and in the Piedmont.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds 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

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are within walking distance of this location: A different marker also named Hamilton's Crossing (here, next to this marker); Dead Horse Hill (within shouting distance of this marker); Fredericksburg Campaign (within shouting distance of this marker); Jackson Holds Prospect Hill (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Fredericksburg Campaign (within shouting distance of this marker); Jackson (within shouting distance of this marker); A Southern Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Fredericksburg Campaign (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fredericksburg.

Regarding Hamilton's Crossing. This marker was replaced by an updated wayside marker with the same name, see nearby markers.

Photographed by Kevin W., December 9, 2007

2. Hamilton's Crossing Marker

The dirt road, seen behind this marker, once connected to Mine Road and Hamilton's Crossing. It is now closed to vehicle traffic. Hamilton Crossing, though still listed on internet map searches, no longer crosses the railroad tracks.

Hamilton's Crossing Today image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Swain, May 25, 2008

3. Hamilton's Crossing Today

The old road now stops short of the tracks. This site is accessible from the park by way of the 0.2 mile trail indicated on the marker.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 10, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,830 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 10, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 3. submitted on May 27, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.