Near Fredericksburg in Spotsylvania County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Refuge from Horror
The Battle of Fredericksburg
— Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park —
Photographed By Kevin W., November 10, 2007
1. Refuge from Horror Marker
The arrival of contending armies in December 1862 forced thousands of residents to leave Fredericksburg. Most fled into the countryside, bound for homes or churches in Spotsylvania County. One Confederate officer remembered seeing old women, children with dolls, and mothers carrying a baby in one hand and a bag of flour in the other. “Where they were going we could not tell,” he wrote, “and I doubt if they could.” Several hundred ended up here at Salem Church.
Some were cooking outside in genuine gypsy fashion, and those who were inform or sick were trying to get some rest in the cold, bare church. The leafless trees, through which the winter wind sobbed mournfully, the scattered groups seen through the smoke of numerous fires, and the road, upon which passed constantly back and forth ambulances and wagons full of wounded soldiers, presented a gloomy and saddening spectacle.
Francis Bernard Goolrick, resident of Fredericksburg
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Military • War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1862.
Location. 38° 17.333′ N, 77° 31.864′ W. Marker is
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Old Salem Church (a few steps from this marker); Salem Church (within shouting distance of 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); 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). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fredericksburg.
Regarding Refuge from Horror. 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.
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
Photographed By Kevin W., November 10, 2007
2. Refuge from Horror Marker
2. Salem Church Walking Trail. National Park Service guide. (Submitted on November 12, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Photographed By Kevin W., November 10, 2007
3. Refuge from Horror Marker
The cemetery and new Salem Baptist Church building are in the background, as is the 23rd Regiment, NJ Volunteers monument.
Photographed By Kevin W.
4. Fredericksburg Refugees at Salem Church
December 1862
December 1862
Photographed By Brandon Fletcher, July 18, 2008
5. Fredericksburg Refugees at Salem Church
In relation to church
Photographed By Brandon Fletcher, July 18, 2008
6. Old Salem Church
Credits. This page was last revised on April 25, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 12, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,083 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 12, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 5, 6. submitted on July 25, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee.
