Near Fredericksburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Lee's Hill, the commander's lookout
Photographed By Kevin W., December 9, 2007
1. Lee's Hill, a commander's lookout Marker
General Robert E. Lee used this hill as a command post during the Battle of Fredericksburg. It has borne his name ever since.
Lee’s View from Here
Civilians viewing this scene might have focused their attention on the picturesque steeples which mark the skyline today, just as they did in 1862. Lee’s attention, however, was quickly taken up by the blue lines which made heavy attacks on both of his fronts.
Chatham (Lacy House)
This vantage point offered a fine view of the surrounding country. Across the Rappahannock, on Stafford Heights, Lee could see Chatham (the Lacy House) where Federal General E. V. Sumner had his headquarters.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1862.
Location. 38° 17.094′ N, 77° 28.575′ W. Marker is near Fredericksburg, Virginia. Marker can be reached from Lee Drive. Marker is at the top of Lee's Hill, accessible from a parking pullout on Lee Drive. This marker is located in an exhibit shelter, along with other markers. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Fredericksburg VA 22401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Artillery on Lee's Hill (here, next to this marker); The Pioneers (here, next to this marker); The Second Battle of Fredericksburg
this page online
More about this marker. A portrait of General Robert E. Lee is in the center of the marker. The caption below the portrait reads:
”It is well that war is so terrible – we should grow too fond of it.”
- R. E. Lee, December 13, 1862
Lee uttered this oft-quoted phrase to Longstreet atop this hill while watching a Confederate counterattack sweeping down the valley of Deep Run, to his right.
The right side of the marker displays portraits of "Lee's Lieutenants", Generals Stuart, Longstreet, Jackson, and Pendleton. Captions below the respective portrait read:
“Jeb” — “Lee’s Eyes and Ears”
Major General James
Photographed By Kevin W., December 9, 2007
2. Lee's Hill, a commander's lookout Marker
“Old Pete” — “Lee’s War Horse”
Lieutenant General James Longstreet, commanding First Corps, Army of Northern Virginia. Lee’s left flank at Fredericksburg.
“Stonewall” — “Lee’s Right Arm”
Lieutenant General Thomas J. Jackson, commanding Second Corps, Army of Northern Virginia, Lee’s right flank at Fredericksburg.
Brig. Gen. Wm. N. Pendleton, Lee’s Chief of Artillery
Pendleton, a West Pointer, had left the U.S. Army to become an Episcopalian minister before the war. Lee was a vestryman in his congregation at Lexington after the war.
Lee’s principal officers came to consult with him here. Longstreet and Pendleton attended the commanding general throughout the battle.
Additional commentary.
1. Brigadier General W. N. Pendleton Quote
The nearby map (see picture 4) details both Union and Confederate positions during the December 13, 1862 Battle of Fredericksburg. On it there is the following quote by Brigadier General W. N. Pendleton, Lee’s Chief of Artillery:
This point, densely wooded when first chosen, became the most important, perhaps, in the entire scene as the position affording the best view
Photographed By Kevin W.
3. Lee’s Hill Exhibit Shelter
An exhibit Shelter with markers for both Battles of Fredericksburg await the visitor after a short, steep trail up Lee's Hill from the parking area.
— Submitted December 12, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.
Photographed By Kevin W., December 9, 2007
4. The Battle of Fredericksburg from Lee’s Hill, December, 1862
Overlooking the Fredericksburg area, there is a map detailing both Union and Confederate positions during the December 13, 1862 Battle of Fredericksburg.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 12, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,683 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 12, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.
