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 18, 1864. About dawn, Hancock's and Wright's Corps advanced southward past the McCoull House and attacked Ewell's Corps which was holding the new line. They hoped to repeat the Federal success of May 12. This time, however, Confederate cannon were ready and blasted the attack, throwing the Federal troops back in great confusion. Grant realized that Lee could neither be flanked or routed on this battlefield. He resolved once more to maneuver and soon moved east and south toward Richmond. As he had promised, Grant would "take no backward steps."

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 18, 1818.

Location. 38° 12.861′ N, 77° 36.461′ 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 are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Spotsylvania Campaign (a few steps from this marker); Civil War Earthworks

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

(a few steps from this marker); Grant's May 18th Attack (within shouting distance of 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

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.

Last Spotsylvania Operations image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, July 6, 2008

3. Last Spotsylvania Operations

After May 12, 1864, Grant maneuvered farther eastward and southward. On May 18 he doubled back to strike Ewell, but the Confederates were alert and easily defeated the attack. Grant then resumed his leftward movement. Late on May 19, Ewell, following the shifting Federals across the Ny River, was sharply repulsed at the Harris Farm. Grant now widened his arc and quit Spotsylvania altogether. Though indecisive tactically, the Wilderness and Spotsylvania operations were the beginning of Lee's ultimate collapse.

Please double click the photo to see the map in better detail.

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 699 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 15, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.