Near Locust Grove in Spotsylvania County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Texans Attack
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, November 10, 2007
1. The Texans Attack Marker
This is the third in a series of markers along a walking trail on the Tapp Field.
Federal troops under Brigadier General James S. Wadsworth, including the renowned Iron Brigade, unleashed a storm of bullets while the Texans and Arkansans dashed toward them. According to one observer, when Greggs troops reached Wadsworths position, near where you are now standing, there was a terrible crash, mingled with wild yelling which settled down to a steady roar of musketry.
The hand-to-hand combat lasted less than ten minutes before Gregg ordered a retreat. More than half of his 800 men remained where they fell, either killed or wounded. Other brigades repeated the Texans deadly experience. Together, they halted the Federal offensive.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil.
Location. Marker has been reported permanently removed. It was located near 38° 17.485′ N, 77° 43.408′ W. Marker was near Locust
this page online
We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Regionally, this marker was in the Washington Metropolitan Area, in Northern Virginia, and in the Piedmont. It was also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it was in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found 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 are within walking distance of this location: Lee to the Rear! (here, next to this marker); Texas (within shouting distance of this marker); Lee to the rear! (within shouting distance of this marker); Brink of Victory (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Col. James D. Nance (about 700 feet away); The Home of Widow Tapp (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Widow Tapp House (approx. 0.2 miles away); In The Nick of Time (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Locust Grove.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Confederate Earthworks (was about 400 feet away but has been permanently removed).
Also see . . . Battle of the Wilderness. (Submitted on March 9, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, November 10, 2007
2. Site of the Texans Attack
This is where the Texans attacked the Union troops. The marker can be seen in the background.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, November 10, 2007
3. The Texans Attack Battle Map
Map showing troop placement during the attack at 6:30 AM on May 6, 1864.
Photographed by Craig Swain, February 16, 2008
4. Direction of Gregg's Attack
Looking west down the Plank Road across the Widow Tapp Field. The Texans' attack came from this direction, moving toward the camera.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 9, 2021. It was originally submitted on March 9, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,587 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 9, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 4. submitted on March 10, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
