Near Spotsylvania Courthouse in Spotsylvania County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
The Spindle House
Photographed By Craig Swain, July 6, 2008
1. The Spindle House Marker
A large frame house belonging to Sarah Spindle stood here in 1864. The opening engagement of the Spotsylvania Campaign swirled across the Spindle Farm on the morning of May 8 as Union troops dashed through these open fields toward the Confederate battle line ahead in the woods. A Federal soldier from the Maryland Brigade described the scene on this ridge:
"The enemy opened with shell, followed by canister and then double canister from the cross fire guns on their right. Their fire increased in intensity, as the attack advanced .... Naturally enough the front rank was goaded into a return fire, individual progress was naturally retarded by the act of aiming and reloading; men from the rear pressed impatiently forward to repeat the process. In this way, ranks and regiments became intermingled, straggling was made easy, the time of exposure was fatally prolonged...."
The Spindle House caught fire during the battle and burned to the ground.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is May 8, 1828.
Location. 38° 12.83′ N, 77° 36.978′ W. Marker is near Spotsylvania Courthouse, Virginia, in Spotsylvania County. Marker can be reached from Brock Road (County Route 613) 0.2 miles south of Hancock Road, on the right when traveling
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Spindle House (within shouting distance of this marker); Maryland Monument (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); Fight for the Fences (approx. 0.2 miles away); Warren's Line (approx. 0.2 miles away); Spotsylvania Campaign (approx. 0.2 miles away); Laurel Hill (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Race for Spotsylvania Court House (approx. 0.3 miles away); Sedgwick (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Spotsylvania Courthouse.
Also see . . . Laurel Hill Trail. Stone Sentinels website entry (Submitted on December 8, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By Craig Swain, July 6, 2008
2. Laurel Hill Trail
Two markers along the trail detail the Spindle House and fighting in this sector.
Photographed By Craig Swain, July 6, 2008
3. Advancing Federals
From the marker location looking south. The Federals of Warren's Corps advanced across the fields here toward the distant tree line. Crawford's Federal Brigade was arrayed near this location. Denison's Maryland (Federal) Brigade advanced on the left of Crawford's, near the Brock Road. Confederates defending in this sector included Field's and Kershaw's Divisions.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 8, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 14, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,154 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 14, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
