Near Locust Grove in Spotsylvania County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Wilderness Campaign
Photographed By Craig Swain, February 16, 2008
1. Wilderness Campaign Marker
Inscription.
Wilderness Campaign. . May 6, 1864, Hancock's Federal soldiers opened the second day of battle about 5 a.m. Hill's Confederates were driven westward to this vicinity, the small clearing of the Widow Tapp Farm where Lee had his headquarters. As Col. William T. Poague's cannon staved off disaster, Longstreet's belated Corps came swinging up. Lee waved his hat and personally started to lead the countercharge of Longstreet's men, only to be restrained by the cry of "Go back, General Lee, go back!" Longstreet quickly saved the immediate situation. He later outflanked the Federals rolling their lines ("like a wet blanket," said Hancock) to the trenches along the Brock Road.
May 6, 1864, Hancock's Federal soldiers opened the second day of battle about 5 a.m. Hill's Confederates were driven westward to this vicinity, the small clearing of the Widow Tapp Farm where Lee had his headquarters. As Col. William T. Poague's cannon staved off disaster, Longstreet's belated Corps came swinging up. Lee waved his hat and personally started to lead the countercharge of Longstreet's men, only to be restrained by the cry of "Go back, General Lee, go back!" Longstreet quickly saved the immediate situation. He later outflanked the Federals rolling their lines ("like a wet blanket," said Hancock) to the trenches along the Brock Road.
Erected by United States Department of the Interior - National Park Service.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is May 6, 1764.
Location. 38° 17.34′ N, 77° 43.617′ W. Marker is near Locust Grove, Virginia, in Spotsylvania County. Marker can be reached from Orange Plank Road (County Route 621), on the right when traveling west. Marker is in the Wilderness Battlefield at Tour Stop 6. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 11325 Orange Plank Rd, 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. In the Nick of Time (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lee-to-the-Rear
Also see . . . Wilderness Battlefield. National Park Service site. (Submitted on April 30, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Photographed By Craig Swain, February 16, 2008
2. Tour Stop Six - Widow Tapp Farm
Photographed By Craig Swain, February 16, 2008
3. Poague's Artillery
These two artillery pieces represent Poague's Battalion on the battlefield, and look across the fields of the Widow Tapp Farm.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 9, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 30, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,223 times since then and 46 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on April 30, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
