Near Jetersville in Amelia County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Battle of Sailor's (Sayler's) Creek
Photographed By Laura Troy, July 23, 2008
1. Battle of Sailor's (Sayler's) Creek Marker
This is the Hillsman House, used by the Unionists as a hospital in the engagement of April 6, 1865. From the west side of the creek the Confederates charged and broke through the Union infantry, but were stopped by the batteries along the hillside here. A mass surrender followed, including a corps commander, Gen. R. S. Ewell, several other generals, many colonels, about 7000 rank and file, and several hundred wagons. It was the largest unstipulated surrender of the war.
At the same time another engagement took place two miles north, on the main Sailor's (Sayler's) Creek, where Gen. John B. Gordon repulsed pursuing Union Troops. He lost most of his wagons but saved the majority of his men. At this time Gen. Robert E. Lee was retreating from Petersburg toward Danville, closely followed by Gen. Grant. Lee lost half of his troops in these two memorable rearguard actions, which foreshadowed the surrender at Appomattox three days later.
Erected 1948 by Virginia Conservation Commission. (Marker Number M-26.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil
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Location. 37° 18.623′ N, 78° 13.299′ W. Marker is near Jetersville, Virginia, in Amelia County. Marker is on Saylers Creek Road (County Route 617) 0.9 miles south of James Town Road (County Route 618), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Jetersville VA 23083, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Overton / Hillsman House (within shouting distance of this marker); Hillsman House (within shouting distance of this marker); Crossing Little Sailor's Creek (approx. 0.4 miles away); Assaulting the Confederate Battle Line (approx. half a mile away); The Final Clash: With Fate Against Them (approx. half a mile away); Ewell’s Line of Defense (approx. 0.6 miles away); Victory or Death (approx. 0.6 miles away); Battle of Sailors Creek (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Jetersville.
Also see . . . Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park website. (Submitted on June 11, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.)
Photographed By Amy Wilson
2. Battle of Sailor's (Sayler's) Creek Marker reverse
Photographed By Will Simmons, January 29, 2008
3. Battle of Sailor's (Sayler's) Creek Marker
The Hillsman House, mentioned on the marker, is in the background.
Photographed By Laura Troy, July 23, 2008
4. Battle of Sailor's (Sayler's) Creek Marker
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 26, 2007
5. Overton / Hillsman House
This house was used as a hospital after the Battle of Sailor's Creek on April 6, 1865.
Photographed By Duane Hall, May 10, 2010
6. Battle of Sailor's (Sayler's) Creek Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 3, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 11, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 4,316 times since then and 128 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 14, 2008, by Laura Troy of Burke, Virginia. 2. submitted on June 11, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 3. submitted on August 14, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 4. submitted on August 14, 2008, by Laura Troy of Burke, Virginia. 5. submitted on October 26, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 6. submitted on January 14, 2014, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
