Near Petersburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Siege of Petersburg—Lee Strikes Back

March 25, 1865 Battle of Fort Stedman to Battle of Jones Farm

Photographed by Shane Oliver, July 18, 2015

1. Siege of Petersburg — Lee Strikes Back Marker

Inscription. By March 1865 Confederate General Robert E. Lee had suffered through nearly nine months of fighting, had repulsed seven Union offensives, and had his men spread along a 37-mile-long front. Knowing that it was only a matter of time before his lines would break he took a desperate gamble and launched his only offensive of the siege.

You are standing where Lee had pinned his hopes for breaking the Union grip on his army.

(captions)
Morning March 25, 1865—Lee launches a pre-dawn surprise assault on Union Fort Stedman hoping to break the Union grip on Petersburg. Within four hours, Lee's gamble has failed completely.

Afternoon, March 25, 1865—Union forces strike where Lee weakened his line for launching the Fort Stedman attack. By nightfall, Union forces gain valuable ground for their breakthrough assault on April 2, 1865.

Erected by Petersburg National Battlefield.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Military • War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1865.

Location. 37° 13.902′ N, 77° 22.16′ W. Marker is near Petersburg, Virginia. It is on Siege Road 2.4 miles south of Oaklawn Boulevard (Virginia Route 36), on the right when traveling south. Marker

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is located at the parking lot near the trail to Fort Stedman—tour stop 5 on the Eastern Front Auto Tour. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 5001 Siege Road, Petersburg VA 23803, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is 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 walking distance of this marker: A Final Effort (a few steps from this marker); Fort Stedman (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Fort Stedman (within shouting distance of this marker); Prince George Court House Road (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Charge of the 1st Maine Heavy Artillery (about 800 feet away); First Maine Heavy Artillery Monument (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lee's Last Offensive (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named Colquitt’s Salient (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Petersburg.

Other markers no longer nearby. Colquitt’s Salient Trail (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been reported to have been replaced with another marker now near it); Hare House Site (was about 500 feet away but has been permanently removed); Wasted Valor (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Colquitt's Salient (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

Also see . . . Petersburg National Battlefield.

Photographed by Shane Oliver, July 18, 2015

2. Siege of Petersburg — Lee Strikes Back Marker

The earthworks of Union Fort Stedman can be seen in the background.

(Submitted on July 21, 2015.)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 21, 2015, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,074 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 21, 2015, by Shane Oliver of Richmond, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.