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

The Gallant Pelham

Photographed By Dawn Bowen, July 13, 2007

1. The Gallant Pelham Marker

Inscription. Here Major John Pelham, commanding Stuart’s Horse Artillery, executed a stunning flank attack on advancing Union troops during the Battle of Fredericksburg on 13 December 1862. Reduced to one cannon, the 24-year-old Pelham halted the Federals for almost two hours by employing the flying artillery tactics that he had perfected. Observing from a nearby hilltop, Lee exclaimed, “It is glorious to see such courage in one so young! Lee’s battle report commended “the gallant Pelham.” The Alabamian was fatally wounded three months later at Kelly’s Ford on the upper Rappahannock River.

Erected 1992 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number N-3.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, US Civil • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list. A significant historical date for this entry is December 13, 1862.

Location. 38° 15.165′ N, 77° 25.578′ W. Marker is near Fredericksburg, Virginia, in Spotsylvania County. Marker is at the intersection of Benchmark Road (Route 608) and Tidewater Trail (Virginia Route 2), on the right when traveling north on Benchmark Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 10748 Tidewater Trail, Fredericksburg VA 22408, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least

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8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Fort Hood (here, next to this marker); Stuart and Pelham (here, next to this marker); The Battle of Fredericksburg (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named The Gallant Pelham (a few steps from this marker); Fredericksburg Campaign (approx. 0.6 miles away); Dead Horse Hill (approx. 0.6 miles away); a different marker also named Fredericksburg Campaign (approx. 0.6 miles away); Jackson Holds Prospect Hill (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fredericksburg.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. The Battle of Kelly’s Ford Marker.

Also see . . . Lt. Colonel John Pelham. More information about The Gallant Pelham (Submitted on August 22, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.)

Benchmark Rd & Tidewater Tr image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Dawn Bowen, July 13, 2007

2. Benchmark Rd & Tidewater Tr

Photographed By Gilbert Studios, Philadelphia, Pa., 1858

3. John Pelham

West Point photo 1858, public domain

Stone marker: Stuart and Pelham image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Dawn Bowen, July 13, 2007

4. Stone marker: Stuart and Pelham

Battle of Fredericksburg, Dec. 13, 1862

Credits. This page was last revised on October 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 13, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,511 times since then and 67 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 13, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. 3. submitted on August 6, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 4. submitted on July 14, 2007, by Dawn Bowen of Fredericksburg, Virginia. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.