Near Spotsylvania Courthouse in Spotsylvania County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Wilderness Campaign
Photographed by Craig Swain, February 16, 2008
1. Wilderness Campaign Marker
Erected by U.S. Department of the Interior - National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is May 5, 1977.
Location. 38° 17.658′ N, 77° 43.184′ W. Marker is near Spotsylvania Courthouse, Virginia, in Spotsylvania County. It is at the intersection of Hill Ewell Drive and Orange Plank Road (County Route 621), on the right when traveling south on Hill Ewell Drive. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 11019 Orange Plank Rd, Spotsylvania VA 22551, 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. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: James S. Wadsworth (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line);
this page online
Other markers no longer nearby. The Texans Attack (was approx. 0.3 miles away but has been permanently removed); Confederate Earthworks (was approx. 0.3 miles away but has been permanently removed).
More about this marker. A map panel stands next to the marker, detailing the battle on May 5 and 6, 1864.
Also see . . . Wilderness Battlefield. National Park Service site. (Submitted on April 29, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Photographed by Craig Swain, February 16, 2008
2. Battle Map
Note the north seeking arrow on both maps points to the lower right.
Morning of May 5, 1864
Attempting to turn Lee, the Federals found themselves across his path. Crawford's Division of Warren's Corps was pulled back from its route to Parker's Store as Warren struck Ewell on the Turnpike. Here in the Plank Road sector, while Hill advanced toward the Brock, Getty's Division of Sedgwick's Corps rushed southward about midday to seize the vital Brock-Plank intersection.
Morning of May 6, 1864
On the Turnpike neither side gained advantage during the morning. Here on the Orange Plank Road, however, Hancock routed Hill, only to be stopped by Longstreet's timely arrival. Longstreet then flanked Hancock's forces back to the Brock Road. Both sides strongly entrenched on May 6 and 7.
Morning of May 5, 1864
Attempting to turn Lee, the Federals found themselves across his path. Crawford's Division of Warren's Corps was pulled back from its route to Parker's Store as Warren struck Ewell on the Turnpike. Here in the Plank Road sector, while Hill advanced toward the Brock, Getty's Division of Sedgwick's Corps rushed southward about midday to seize the vital Brock-Plank intersection.
Morning of May 6, 1864
On the Turnpike neither side gained advantage during the morning. Here on the Orange Plank Road, however, Hancock routed Hill, only to be stopped by Longstreet's timely arrival. Longstreet then flanked Hancock's forces back to the Brock Road. Both sides strongly entrenched on May 6 and 7.
Photographed by Craig Swain, February 16, 2008
3. Wilderness Campaign Marker and Map Panel
Photographed by Craig Swain, February 16, 2008
4. Confederate Trenches
The Confederate trenches in this sector were constructed on May 6.
Photographed by Craig Swain, February 16, 2008
5. Shallow Trenches
The trenches near the intersection of the park tour road with the Orange Plank Road are somewhat shallower compared to those in other sectors. The brick wall in the background is the entrance to a housing subdivision on the south side of the Plank Road.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 9, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 29, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,437 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on April 29, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
