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

Old Salem Church

Photographed By Kevin W., November 10, 2007

1. Old Salem Church Marker

Inscription. This simple and sturdy edifice, constructed in 1844, is typical of the brick churches which rural Baptists build around Fredericksburg in the mid-19th century. During the campaign of November and December, 1862, the building sheltered refugees from Fredericksburg and later served to store their furniture. On May 3 and 4, 1863, it had a brief but significant life as a Confederate fortress and lent its name forever to this battlefield. Then, when the battle was over, it became a crowded hospital. Old Salem Church remained a Baptist sanctuary until 1955, when the congregation built the new church just beyond the cemetery. The cemetery itself was established in 1899.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Churches & Religion • War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1844.

Location. 38° 17.325′ N, 77° 31.853′ W. Marker is near Fredericksburg, Virginia, in Spotsylvania County. Marker can be reached from Old Salem Church Road

Paid Advertisement

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

Click or scan to see
this page online

near Plank Road (Virginia Route 3). Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4044 Plank Road, Fredericksburg VA 22407, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Salem Church (here, next to this marker); Refuge from Horror (a few steps from this marker); The Battle of Salem Church (within shouting distance of this marker); From Church to Hospital (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Battle of Salem Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Churchyard to Battleground (within shouting distance of this marker); Sanctuaries in Spotsylvania (within shouting distance of this marker); For All Anguish – For Some Freedom (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fredericksburg.

Regarding Old Salem Church. This is one of five stops at Salem Church related to the Battle of Chancellorsville. See the Salem Church Virtual Tour by Markers in the links section for a listing of related markers on the tour.

"Salem Church" and "Old Salem Church" Markers image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Kevin W., November 10, 2007

2. "Salem Church" and "Old Salem Church" Markers

Also see . . .
1. Salem Church Virtual Tour by Markers. The Salem Church site, surrounded by modern development, was an important site in the later stages of the Battle and Campaign of Chancellorsville. (Submitted on November 12, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

2. Salem Church Walking Trail. National Park Service guide. (Submitted on November 12, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

Fredericksburg Refugees at Salem Church<br>December 1862 image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Kevin W., November 10, 2007

3. Fredericksburg Refugees at Salem Church
December 1862

Old Salem Church, with part of the cemetery in the foreground. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Kevin W., November 10, 2007

4. Old Salem Church, with part of the cemetery in the foreground.

Old Salem Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brandon Fletcher, July 18, 2008

5. Old Salem Church

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 12, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,814 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 12, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 5. submitted on July 25, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee.