Near Spotsylvania Courthouse in Spotsylvania County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Spotsylvania Campaign

Photographed By Craig Swain, July 6, 2008

1. Spotsylvania Campaign Marker

Inscription. May 12-13, 1864. This line of earthworks, the remains of which run eastward through the woodland, was built across the base of the Confederate "Mule Shoe" during the Federal attacks against the Salient. As the weary Confederates held their enemies at bay there, Lee's engineers threw dirt and felled trees here in desperate haste, constructing the haven to which the embattled troops retreated early on May 13. This line, partly facing open ground at that time and protected by extensive slashings, was one of the strongest temporary fortifications in Virginia. Its zig-zags and gun emplacements were heavily revetted and topped with logs since rotted away.

Erected by United States Department of the Interior - National Park Service.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is May 12, 1818.

Location. 38° 12.856′ N, 77° 36.464′ W. Marker is near Spotsylvania Courthouse, Virginia, in Spotsylvania County. Marker is on Anderson Drive, on the right when traveling south. Located beyond stop four (Harrison House) on the driving tour of Spotsylvania Battlefield unit of the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7820 Anderson Dr, Spotsylvania VA 22553, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers

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are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Spotsylvania Campaign (a few steps from this marker); Civil War Earthworks (a few steps from this marker); Grant's May 18th Attack (a few steps from this marker); Lee's Last Line (approx. 0.2 miles away); Harrison House Site (approx. 0.3 miles away); Lee to the Rear! (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Harrison House (approx. 0.3 miles away); a different marker also named Spotsylvania Campaign (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Spotsylvania Courthouse.

Lee's Last Line Tour Stop image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, July 6, 2008

2. Lee's Last Line Tour Stop

Not listed as one of the numbered stops on the tour, Lee's Last line features two of the Department of Interior panels with associated map. Additionally two more recent interpretive markers and a reconstruction of the earthworks are nearby. The stop is at the end of Anderson Drive.

Remaining Trenches from Lee's Last Line image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, July 6, 2008

3. Remaining Trenches from Lee's Last Line

The earthworks extend from this point to the east along the southern edge of the park boundary. Sections of these works can be seen up to a mile eastward.

Another View of the Entrenchments image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, July 6, 2008

4. Another View of the Entrenchments

Following the Spotsylvania History Trail, to the east of the marker location, these trenches are remains of the Confederate positions built during the battle. Notice in the distance the trench line turns sharply to the left. This was part of the zig-zag mentioned in the marker text. The turn afforded the defenders a facing to enfilade any attack of the main works.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 16, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 15, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 636 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 15, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.