Near Spotsylvania Courthouse in Spotsylvania County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Confederate Counterattack
The Battle of Spotsylvania Court House
| — | Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park | — |
Photographed by Bernard Fisher, June 23, 2013
1. Confederate Counterattack Marker
Confederate General Richard S. Ewell responded quickly to Upton’s breakthrough at Dole’s Salient. Wading into the melee, he shouted to the outnumbered defenders: “Don’t run, boys. I will have enough men here in five minutes to eat up every damned one of them!” Ewell was as good as his word. Within minutes, thousands of Confederate soldiers converged on this spot.
Although initially successful, Upton’s attack quickly turned into a fight for survival. Confederate lines coming across the fields behind you pressed against now-ragged Union battle lines. Without help, Upton’s men could not hold out for long. As darkness settled over the battlefield, the Southerners drove Upton’s men from the salient and recaptured the cannons they had lost earlier in the evening.
(caption)
Upton captured 950 Confederates in his initial charge. Union soldiers hurried the prisoners to the rear under a heavy fire.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil.
Location. 38° 13.273′ N, 77° 36.211′ W.
this page online
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. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Upton’s Assault (here, next to this marker); Upton's Charge (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Ramseur's Brigade (about 500 feet away); Forming for the Attack (about 600 feet away); McCoull Spring (approx. 0.2 miles away);
Photographed by Bernard Fisher
2. Confederate Counterattack Marker
Other markers no longer nearby. Doles Salient (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed); Spotsylvania Campaign (was about 600 feet away but has been permanently removed); a different marker also named Spotsylvania Campaign (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been permanently removed).
Also see . . . Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park. National Park Service (Submitted on June 24, 2013.)
Photographed by Alfred R. Waud, May 1864
3. Rebel prisoners captured...
Library of Congress [LC-USZC4-5973]
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 828 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 24, 2013, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia. 3. submitted on June 24, 2013.
