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

Fighting on the Evening of May 5, 1864

Photographed By Craig Swain, February 16, 2008

1. Fighting on the Evening of May 5, 1864 Marker

Inscription. Confederate General Leroy A. Stafford of Louisiana fell mortally wounded in this vicinity during the afternoon fighting. General Ewell, however, continued to reinforce this line, extending it farther to the north, your left. When the Federals attempted to outflank Ewell's men at 7:00 p.m., they discovered a Virginia brigade overlapping their battle front. Bitter combat at a range of 150 yards or less raged until darkness enveloped the Wilderness and ended the bloodshed. The Confederate line north of the Orange Turnpike had held fast all day, May 5.

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

Location. 38° 19.453′ N, 77° 45.856′ W. Marker is near Locust Grove, Virginia, in Orange County. Marker can be reached from Constitution Highway (State Highway 20), on the right when traveling west. The marker is in Wilderness Battlefield at stop 4 of the Gordon Flank Attack trail, near Driving Tour Stop Two (the Exhibit Shelter). Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Locust Grove VA 22508, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. John Gordon Proposes a Flank Attack (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Morning of May 6 (about 500 feet away); Gordon's Attack Falters (about 600 feet away); Wilderness Battlefield Memorial

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(about 700 feet away); From Wilderness Run To Flat Run (about 700 feet away); Dedicated To The Fallen (about 700 feet away); Gordon's Flank Attack (about 800 feet away); The Federals Fall Back (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Locust Grove.

More about this marker. The upper portion of the marker is a portrait of Brigadier General Leroy Augustus Stafford, CSA.

Also see . . .
1. Gordon Flank Attack Trail. National Park Service page detailing the Gordon Flank Attack Trail. ( (Submitted on April 27, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

2. General Stafford. Biographical sketch of General Stafford. (Submitted on April 27, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

Gordon Flank Attack Trail - Stop 4 image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, February 16, 2008

2. Gordon Flank Attack Trail - Stop 4

Photographed By Bradley Owen, October 16, 2018

3. Fighting on the Evening of May 5, 1864 Marker

Confederate Defensive Line image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, February 16, 2008

4. Confederate Defensive Line

This low trench, between trail stops 2 and 3, are typical of the remains of the Confederate defensive line built on May 5.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 25, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 27, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,402 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 27, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 3. submitted on January 21, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. 4. submitted on April 27, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.