Fredericksburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Kirkland Monument
Photographed by Dawn Bowen, June 12, 2007
1. Kirkland Monument
Bronze by Felix George Weihs De Weldon (1907–2003), sculptor. Sculpture approx. 5½ ft. x 8¼ ft. x 4¾ ft.; granite base approx. 3¼ ft. x 9 ft. x 5½ ft.
In memoriam Richard Rowland Kirkland Co. G, 2nd South Carolina Volunteers C.S.A.
At the risk of his life, this American soldier of sublime compassion, brought water to his wounded foes at Fredericksburg. The fighting men on both sides of the line called him The Angel of Maryes Heights.
Born Kershaw County, S.C., August, 1843 Sergeant at Fredericksburg, December 1862 Lieutenant at Gettysburg, July, 1863 Killed in action at Chickamauga, September 1863.
Dedicated to National Unity and the Brotherhood of Man.
Erected 1965 by The State of South Carolina, The Commonwealth of Virginia, Collateral Descendents of Richard Kirkland, and Citizens of the United States. Dr. Richard Nunn Canier, Executive Director of the Richard Rowland Kirkland Memorial Foundation.
Topics. This monument and memorial is listed in these topic lists: Heroes • War, US Civil.
Location. 38° 17.787′ N, 77° 28.096′ W. Monument is in Fredericksburg, Virginia. It can be reached from the intersection of Sunken Road (pathway) and Mercer Street. Touch for map. Monument is in this post office area: Fredericksburg VA 22401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this memorial monument is in the Washington Metropolitan Area and in Northern 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 different marker also named The "Angel of Marye's Heights"
this page online
Other markers no longer nearby. Fredericksburg Campaign (was a few steps from this marker but has been confirmed missing); Angel of Marye's Heights (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Fredericksburg Campaign (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).
Also see . . .
1. Richard Kirkland, The Angel of Maryes Heights. Part 33 of a series of articles by Donald C. Pfanz in Fredericksburgs The Free Lance-Star. (Submitted on June 12, 2007.)
2. Experts battle over story of Marye's Heights Angel
Photographed by Dawn Bowen, June 12, 2007
2. Detail of Sculpture
Additional commentary.
1. Story of a Carolinian Who Won the Gratitude of Yankee Foes
This short account has been attributed to a 1908 article in the Philadelphia Ledger and may have been reprinted the same year in the Camden (S.C.) Chronicle.
Richard Kirkland of South Carolina could trace his lineage to colonial days. He was quite a young man when the South seceded, and he became a soldier under the Stars and Bars. At the battle of Fredericksburg, it was in December he proved himself a hero.
Through the long winter night he heard the moans and cries of the Union wounded. Gen. Kershaw, the Confederate general, was approached and saluted by this young sergeant who said: “I cannot stand it, all night long the Yankee wounded have been crying for water. With your permission I will succor them.”
Photographed by Craig Swain, May 25, 2008
3. Back of Monument
The Union troops were amazed at his intrepidity and when they noticed him raise the wounded and nourish them they broke into cheers and after several hours of service he returned unharmed to his station to later lose his earthly life at Chickamauga by a bullet, saying to a companion: “Tell father I die doing my duty.”
His dust reposes in a little country graveyard in South Carolina, a weather beaten board at the head of his grave giving his name. Sergeant Richard Kirkland is not seen as a “Reb” but a hero. Possibly some who read this may have lain that bleak December day upon the battlefield and been succored by him and this incident, along with the knowledge of his soldiers death and his almost unmarked grave, may
Photographed by Craig Swain, May 25, 2008
4. Side Panel
— Submitted June 12, 2007, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
Additional keywords. Kirkland Statue
Photographed by Craig Swain, May 25, 2008
5. Attributions Panel
Photographed by Brandon Fletcher, July 18, 2008
6. Kirkland Monument Marker
Monument seen from Willis Street
Credits. This page was last revised on May 17, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 12, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 9,868 times since then and 68 times this year. Last updated on August 6, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. It was the Marker of the Week August 9, 2015. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 12, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. 3, 4, 5. submitted on June 29, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 6. submitted on July 26, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
