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

Union Earthworks

February 24, 2012

1. Union Earthworks Marker

Inscription. Early on May 10, 1864, General Gershom Mott's division of 1,500 Union soldiers arrived on this ground and began constructing earthworks amid the harassing fire of Confederate sharpshooters concealed in the timber, just a few hundred yards away. The remains of Mott's trenches are still visible, on the ridge behind you.

Mott's men left the protection of these works later in the day to attack the Muleshoe Salient, three-quarters of a mile ahead. As they emerged into the open fields leading to the Salient, Confederate artillery tore into their ranks. Many of the Union soldiers had just a few days left in their enlistments. Unwilling to risk their lives, they broke ranks and fled back to these works. Grant later remarked that Mott's men "failed utterly."

Two days later, Union troops again advanced from these works, but in much greater force. This time the result would be different.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1867.

Location. 38° 13.856′ N, 77° 36.306′ W. Marker is near Spotsylvania Courthouse, Virginia, in Spotsylvania County. Marker is at the intersection of Willow Ridge Way and Burnleigh Street, on the left when traveling south on Willow Ridge Way. Marker is opposite 9930 Willow Ridge Way,

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in the "Stuart's Crossing" development. Driving East on Gordon Rd (Rt 627), turn right into Browns Farm Rd, then right into Willow Ridge Ln, finally right into Willow Ridge Way. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 9930 Willow Ridge Way, Spotsylvania VA 22553, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Brown House (here, next to this marker); Vista Clearing at Spotsylvania (approx. half a mile away); Spotsylvania Campaign (approx. half a mile away); a different marker also named Spotsylvania Campaign (approx. half a mile away); Upton’s Trail (approx. half a mile away); 126th Ohio Volunteer Infantry (approx. half a mile away); a different marker also named Spotsylvania Campaign (approx. 0.6 miles away); Attack on the Muleshoe (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Spotsylvania Courthouse.

Regarding Union Earthworks. Marker has a drawing with the caption: "Mott's division arriving at the Brown house on May 10, 1864."

Credits. This page was last revised on July 9, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 25, 2012. This page has been viewed 464 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 25, 2012. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.

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