THE BATTLE AT FREDERICKSBURG, DECEMBER 11 - 13, 1862

We spent another interesting day visiting the spot where the Battle of Fredericksburg took place.  Check out the battlefield!

Along with Spotsylvania, Fredericksburg is considered the most contested ground in America . . . the bloodiest landscape on the continent.  Picture these fields covered with the bodies of the dead and wounded Union soldiers. 

In the four battles that ensued in this area . . . Fredericksburg (December 1862), Chancellorsville (May 1863), Wilderness and Spotsylvania Court House (May 1864) together they caused over 105,000 casualties.

Looking to the right

Looking to the left

The Confederate soldiers hid behind these walls which overlook the field shown at the top.  The Union soldiers couldn't see them as they marched forward and were mown down when they showed themselves.



During the battle of Fredericksburg the Union soldiers lay dying in the fields below the brick wall.  Throughout the night they could be heard calling for water and for their mothers, wives and loved ones.  A young Confederate soldier of 19 years named Richard Kirkland was so upset hearing this that in the morning he went to his commander and asked for permission to take water to the Union soldiers.  His commander told him he would be shot by the Union snipers . . . it was death for sure to step onto that field.  He paid no mind to this, filled as many canteens as he could carry and headed out into the field.  The Union snipers started shooting because they thought he was looting the bodies.  Miraculously, he was not hit and when the Union soldiers realized that he was giving aid to their soldiers they ceased firing and cheered him. 

The Cemetary next to the Battlefield

We headed into Old Fredericksburg for a tour.  Here's a few pictures we took . . .

One of the many beautiful homes

A Beautiful Old Bank

An old Masonic Cemetary

We then headed over to the trail where the command post for General Robert E. Lee was situated.  It's a beautiful area as shown in the picture below . . .

The road used by the Confederate Soldiers to bring their supplies to Fredericksburg

"It is well that war is so terrible, or we would grow too fond of it."

                                                                    General Robert E. Lee, Fredericksburg 1863