Fredericksburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Stephens Family Cemetery
The Battle of Fredericksburg
— Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park —
Photographed By Craig Swain, May 25, 2008
1. Stephens Family Cemetery Marker
Local children knew Martha Stephens as "Granny." They also remembered her ever-present apron, the pipe often clenched in her teeth, and her matronly form. But Martha Stephens was no typical "Granny." At the time when women rarely owned property, she owned no fewer than seven tracts, including a 92-acre farm in Spotsylvania County. For a time, she ran a saloon in her home. A local resident remembered her as "uneducated [and] too free and outspoken in what she said and did and how she did it."
When she died in 1888 at the age of 68, the local paper called her a "genial spirit" and recalled wartime efforts to aid the wounded during the Battle of Fredericksburg. "Her ministrations will never be forgotten by those who survive," the paper noted, "and companions of those who died will ever cherish her memory."
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1888.
Location. 38° 17.731′ N, 77° 28.094′ W. Marker is in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Stephens House (a few steps from this marker); Mrs. Martha Stevens (a few steps from this marker); Cobb (a few steps from this marker); Thomas R. R. Cobb (a few steps from this marker); The Confederate Line (within shouting distance of this marker); Innis House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Killing Fields (within shouting distance of this marker); Seeking Cover (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fredericksburg.
Regarding Stephens Family Cemetery. In the 1930s or 40s the Park service had a metal sign at the Stephens Family Cemetery which read:
Photographed By Craig Swain, May 25, 2008
2. Stephens Family Cemetery Marker
Also see . . .
1. Sunken Road Tour. National Park Service page detailing the Sunken Road, including the Stephens House. (Submitted on June 26, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
2. Fredericksburg Sunken Road Tour. Robert Koch's Civil War tour page showing sites along the sunken road. Note at one time the grave site was enclosed within a white fence. The text of the old NPS marker at the spot is based on his photos. (Submitted on December 25, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Photographed By Craig Swain, July 6, 2008
3. Stephens Family Cemetery
No headstones remain, only a memorial.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 26, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,963 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 26, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 3. submitted on July 12, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
