Near Fredericksburg in Stafford County, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Fredericksburg Campaign

Photographed by Kevin W., January 5, 2008

1. Fredericksburg Campaign Marker

Inscription. Ambrose E. Burnside's Union army had found existing bridges destroyed, and now R. E. Lee's Confederates awaited attack on high ground beyond Fredericksburg. On December 11, 1862, the Union engineers shivered in the early morning as they broke a skim of ice and began laying pontoons across the Rappahannock here. A hail of death from advanced Confederate riflemen drove and kept the workmen ashore. In awesome retaliation, massed cannon on the heights behind the harassed engineers thundered destruction on Fredericksburg. The riflemen stood fast until forced back to the main Confederate line by infantry ferried across about 3 P.M. The engineers then completed two bridges here, while others were finished downstream. Over these bridges Burnside's men marched to disaster, and here at the upper site a dauntless nurse named Clara Barton strode over to attend the wounded in the burning city. By another cold morning, December 16, the Unionists had returned to this side. For months, the icy river would flow between winter-bound armies.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Bridges & Viaducts

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• War, US Civil • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Clara Barton series list. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1858.

Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. 38° 18.491′ N, 77° 27.367′ W. Marker is near Fredericksburg, Virginia, in Stafford County. It can be reached from Chatham Lane. Marker is located at Chatham Manor, part of the Fredericksburg National Military Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 120 Chatham Ln, Fredericksburg VA 22405, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area,

in Northern Virginia,

and in the Piedmont.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At

Photographed by Kevin W., January 5, 2008

2. Fredericksburg Campaign Marker

least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Union Soldiers View (here, next to this marker); Beleaguered Town (here, next to this marker); Bombardment (here, next to this marker); Pontoon Bridges (a few steps from this marker); Between Battles (a few steps from this marker); A Bloody Crossing (a few steps from this marker); A “Picture of Desolation” (within shouting distance of this marker); Sow…Tend…Harvest (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Fredericksburg.

Regarding Fredericksburg Campaign. This marker was replaced by a new one named Bombardment (see nearby markers).

Canon at the site of the Fredericksburg Campaign Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Kevin W., January 5, 2008

3. Canon at the site of the Fredericksburg Campaign Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 14, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,544 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 14, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.