Near Spotsylvania Courthouse in Spotsylvania County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Fatal Mistake at the East Angle
The Battle of Spotsylvania Court House
| | Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park | |
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, June 23, 2013
1. Fatal Mistake at the East Angle Marker
The sharp turn in the Confederate works here is called the “East Angle.” It marks the apex of the Muleshoe Salient and was one of the most vulnerable points on Lees line. Lee fortified the place heavily and placed upwards of 30 cannon in and around the works here. But on the night of May 11, fearing the Union army was about to march south, he pulled those guns out of the line. For Lee, it was a rare and grave misjudgment.
The Federals were not leaving Spotsylvania, but instead were moving into position to attack the Muleshoe. General Edward Johnson ordered the guns back to their places, but they arrived just in time to be captured by swarming Union soldiers. Two Confederate generals (including Johnson), 3,000 men, and 20 cannon fell into Union hands. It was one of the greatest disasters ever to befall Lees army.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is May 11, 1864.
Location. 38° 13.443′ N, 77° 35.875′ W. Marker is near Spotsylvania Courthouse, Virginia, in Spotsylvania County. It can be reached from Grant Drive north of Anderson Drive, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Spotsylvania VA 22553, 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.
this page online
Other markers no longer nearby. Spotsylvania Campaign (was about 500 feet away but has been permanently removed); a different marker also named Spotsylvania Campaign (was about 500 feet away but has been permanently removed); a different marker also named Spotsylvania Campaign (was about 700 feet away but has been permanently removed); a different marker also named Spotsylvania Campaign (was about 700 feet away but has been permanently removed).
Also see . . . Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park. National Park Service (Submitted on June 24, 2013.)
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, June 23, 2013
2. Fatal Mistake at the East Angle Marker
Photographed by Craig Swain
3. Northwest portion of the salient
An artillery piece represents the Confederate guns in this section of the works.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 14, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 24, 2013, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 740 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 24, 2013, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 3. submitted on April 7, 2014, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
