Fredericksburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
A Diversion
The Second Battle of Fredericksburg
On the morning of May 3, Gibbon’s troops rushed forward to assault the heights in front of you. The attack faltered at this canal when the soldiers discovered that planks for the bridge had been removed. While the Northerners pulled boards from a nearby house, Confederate artillery went into battery on the high ground and opened fire. Southern infantry also arrived to take up defensive positions.
Gibbon’s opportunity to seize an undefended hill had passed, but this Federal demonstration caused the Confederates to overextend themselves. When the Southern troops shifted to confront Gibbons, another Union column broke through at Sunken Road (1¼ mile south of here). The victorious Federals headed toward Chancellorsville, but were turned back by Confederate reinforcements at Salem Church.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, French and Indian • War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is May 3, 1863.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 38° 18.68′ N, 77° 28.612′ W. Marker was in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Marker was on Jefferson Davis Highway (U.S. 1) north of Mary Washington Blvd, on the right when traveling south. It is on Route 1, just south of the Rappahannock Canal. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Fredericksburg VA 22401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 10 other markers are within walking distance of this location. A Diversion: Second Battle of Fredericksburg (a few steps from this marker); “Fall Hill” (approx. 0.2 miles away); a different marker also named “Fall Hill” (approx. 0.2 miles away); Elmhurst (approx. 0.3 miles away); Industrial Interlude (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Canal Ditch: Battlefield Obstacle (approx. 0.4 miles away); Carl's (approx. half a mile away); Fredericksburg Granite (approx. half a mile away); Beta Gamma Sigma (approx. half a mile away); Amoroleck Encounters John Smith (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fredericksburg.
Regarding A Diversion. Photography and Design of this marker are credited to Daniel Fitzpatrick and Pamella Hunt. The photo was by Mike Tyminski.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. New Marker At This Location titled "A Diversion: Second Battle of Fredericksburg".
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 2, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,498 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on February 2, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 2. submitted on June 2, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. 3. submitted on February 2, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.