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

Morning of May 6

Photographed By Craig Swain, February 16, 2008

1. Morning of May 6 Marker

Inscription. On the morning of May 6, the main focus of the battle shifted more than two miles south, to the Orange Plank Road. Here, north of the Orange Turnpike, both armies planned early morning attacks as diversions to prevent the enemy from detaching more troops to the Plank Road sector.

The Confederates struck first. At 4:30 a.m., the Wilderness erupted with a deafening chorus of artillery and small arms. The Southerners closed with their blueclad opponents, only to feel the shock of Union volleys fired at point blank range. Ewell's men fell back to this line of trenches where they in turn repulsed Federal counterassaults. By mid-morning this area grew relatively quiet while the armies clashed in earnest a few miles south.

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

Location. 38° 19.402′ N, 77° 45.773′ 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 5 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. Fighting on the Evening of May 5, 1864 (about 500 feet away, measured

Paid Advertisement

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

Click or scan to see
this page online

in a direct line); Gordon's Attack Falters (about 700 feet away); John Gordon Proposes a Flank Attack (approx. 0.2 miles away); Gordon's Flank Attack (approx. 0.2 miles away); Wilderness Battlefield Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); From Wilderness Run To Flat Run (approx. ¼ mile away); Dedicated To The Fallen (approx. ¼ mile away); The Federals Fall Back (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Locust Grove.

More about this marker. The upper half of the marker displays a battle map indicating positions of the forces engaged and the important roads.

Also see . . . 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.)

Gordon Flank Attack Trail - Stop 5 image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, February 16, 2008

2. Gordon Flank Attack Trail - Stop 5

Note the section of earthworks running behind the marker.

Confederate Trenches image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, February 16, 2008

3. Confederate Trenches

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 27, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 983 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 27, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.