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

The Texans Attack

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, November 10, 2007

1. The Texans Attack Marker

This is the third in a series of markers along a walking trail on the Tapp Field.

Inscription. Brigadier General John Gregg formed his four Confederate regiments near the far edge of the Tapp Field behind you and advanced them about 400 yards toward the Union battle line, which stood near here. The Southerners moved diagonally across the clearing so that the right half of the brigade crossed the Orange Plank Road as it reached the enemy.

Federal troops under Brigadier General James S. Wadsworth, including the renowned Iron Brigade, unleashed a storm of bullets while the Texans and Arkansans dashed toward them. According to one observer, when Gregg’s troops reached Wadsworth’s position, near where you are now standing, “there was a terrible crash, mingled with wild yelling which settled down to a steady roar of musketry.”

The hand-to-hand combat lasted less than ten minutes before Gregg ordered a retreat. More than half of his 800 men remained where they fell, either killed or wounded. Other brigades repeated the Texans’ deadly experience. Together, they halted the Federal offensive.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil.

Location. Marker has been reported permanently removed. It was located near 38° 17.485′ N, 77° 43.408′ W. Marker was near Locust

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Grove, Virginia, in Spotsylvania County. Marker was on Orange Plank Road (County Route 621), on the right when traveling west. Located at stop three of the Widow Tapp Farm hiking trail. It can be reached from a parking lot off the Orange Plank Road. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Locust Grove VA 22508, United States of America.

We have been informed that this sign or monument is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Lee to the Rear! (here, next to this marker); Texas (within shouting distance of this marker); Lee to the rear! (within shouting distance of this marker); Brink of Victory (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Col. James D. Nance (about 700 feet away); The Home of Widow Tapp (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Widow Tapp House (approx. 0.2 miles away); In The Nick of Time (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Locust Grove.

Also see . . . Battle of the Wilderness. (Submitted on March 9, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)

Site of the Texans Attack image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, November 10, 2007

2. Site of the Texans Attack

This is where the Texans attacked the Union troops. The marker can be seen in the background.

The Texans Attack Battle Map image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, November 10, 2007

3. The Texans Attack Battle Map

Map showing troop placement during the attack at 6:30 AM on May 6, 1864.

Direction of Gregg's Attack image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, February 16, 2008

4. Direction of Gregg's Attack

Looking west down the Plank Road across the Widow Tapp Field. The Texans' attack came from this direction, moving toward the camera.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 9, 2021. It was originally submitted on March 9, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,361 times since then and 4 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 9, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 4. submitted on March 10, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.