Fredericksburg, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Angel of Marye's Heights
The Battle of Fredericksburg
— Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park —
Photographed By Craig Swain, May 25, 2008
1. Angel of Marye's Heights Marker
While the Civil War entailed immense destruction and tragedy, it did not always engender hate. For two days following the battle, wounded Union soldiers, caught between the lines, cried out for water. Though exposure to enemy fire even for a moment meant almost certain death, Sergeant Richard R. Kirkland of the 2nd South Carolina Volunteers tried to help.
Filling several canteens with water, the young Confederate stepped over the stone wall to care for his wounded enemies. When Union soldiers understood Kirkland's purpose, they ceased firing at him and cheered. For nearly two hours he continued his ministrations. Kirkland has since been known as "The Angel of Marye's Heights." He died in battle at Chickamauga, Georgia, in September 1863.
Erected by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is September 1863.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 38° 17.777′ N, 77° 28.089′ W. Marker was in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Marker was at the intersection of Sunken Road and Kirkland Street, on the right when traveling north on Sunken Road.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. A different marker also named The "Angel of Marye's Heights" (here, next to this marker); Kirkland Monument (a few steps from this marker); Seeking Cover (within shouting distance of this marker); The Killing Fields (within shouting distance of this marker); The Original Wall (within shouting distance of this marker); Brompton (within shouting distance of this marker); Sunken Road (within shouting distance of this marker); Innis House (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fredericksburg.
More about this marker. On the right side of the marker is a drawing depicting Sgt. Kirkland's tending to the wounded. Below the text is a portrait of Kirkland captioned, Richard Kirkland was just 19 years old when he performed his heroic deed.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker has been replaced with the linked marker.
Photographed By Brandon Fletcher, July 19, 2008
2. Angel of Marye's Heights Marker
right side visible
Photographed By Craig Swain, May 25, 2008
3. Angel of Marye's Heights Marker and Kirkland Monument
Photographed By Bradley Owen, October 17, 2016
4. Richard Kirkland Monument
Credits. This page was last revised on March 5, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 29, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 3,122 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 29, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 2. submitted on July 26, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee. 3. submitted on June 29, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 4. submitted on February 9, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
