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. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 6, 1865.
Location. 37° 18.623′
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Regionally, this marker is in the Piedmont and in Central Virginia. It is also in the American South and specifically in the Upper South. 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 one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Overton/Hillsman House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Federal Artillery Barrage (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Rock Formations At Sailor's Creek (approx. 0.2 miles away); General Wheaton's First Division Assault (approx. 0.3 miles away); a different marker also named Holt's Corner (approx. 0.9 miles away); W. R. Turner Memorial Trek (approx. 0.9 miles away); Battles of Sailor's Creek (approx. 0.9 miles away); Marshalls Crossroads (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Jetersville.
Other markers no longer nearby. Hillsman House (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); a different marker also named Overton/Hillsman House (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Crossing Little Sailor's Creek (was approx. 0.4 miles away but has been permanently removed); Assaulting the Confederate Battle Line
Photographed by Amy Wilson
2. Battle of Sailor's (Sayler's) Creek Marker reverse
Also see . . . Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park website. (Submitted on June 11, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.)
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 November 2, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 11, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 5,086 times since then and 54 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.
