Near Fredericksburg in Spotsylvania County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Union Breakthrough
The Battle of Fredericksburg
— Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park —
Photographed By Kevin W., December 9, 2007
1. Union Breakthrough Marker
At 1:30 p.m., little more than an hour after Union troops began their assaults on Marye’s Heights, Gen. George G. Meade’s division penetrated “Stonewall” Jackson’s line here at Prospect Hill. Meade’s 3,800 Pennsylvanians advanced toward a tongue of trees that extended beyond the railroad, 500 yards in front of you. Because the ground there was marshy and considered impassable, Jackson had covered the area with only a thin line of skirmishers.
Meade’s men sloshed through the lightly defended gap, scattered a Confederate brigade, and seized a military road that ran along the ridgetop. For more than an hour they struggled to maintain their foothold in Jackson’s line. Confederate reserves poured out of the woods behind you, screaming the rebel yell. Disorganized, outnumbered, and unsupported, the Pennsylvanians tumbled back out of the woods, pursued by Jackson’s men. The Union’s best chance for success had failed.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Military • War, US Civil.
Location. 38° 15.083′ N, 77° 26.634′ W. Marker is near Fredericksburg, Virginia, in Spotsylvania County. Marker is on
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Death of a Southern Radical (within shouting distance of this marker); The Meade Pyramid (approx. 0.3 miles away); A Southern Memorial (approx. 0.3 miles away); Jackson (approx. half a mile away); Fredericksburg Campaign (approx. half a mile away); Jackson Holds Prospect Hill (approx. half a mile away); a different marker also named Fredericksburg Campaign (approx. half a mile away); Dead Horse Hill (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fredericksburg.
More about this marker. The painting on this marker portrays the fighting beyond the railroad, as Meade’s men fall back after their failed assault. Union troops under Gen. John C. Robinson (pinned under his horse) struggle to stem the Confederate counterattack.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Federal Breakthrough and Prospect Hill virtual tour by markers.
Photographed By Kevin W.
2. "Death of Maxcy Gregg" and "Union Breakthrough" Markers
Photographed By Kevin W., December 9, 2007
3. Signs identify surviving Confederate Trenches nearby as part of Jackson's Line
Photographed By Kevin W., December 9, 2007
4. Signs identify surviving Confederate Trenches nearby as part of Jackson's Line
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 1,946 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 10, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 3, 4. submitted on December 11, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.
