Places: Fredericksburg National Military Park

Fredericksburg National Military Park

After the intense fight at Antietam, the Union army—now under the command of Major General Ambrose E. Burnside—advanced to the Virginian town of Fredericksburg. Burnside believed that if the Federals could take this town, the seat of the Confederacy at Richmond would be within their reach. However, Burnside's numerous delays gave the advantage to General Robert E. Lee, who positioned his men on the high ground and sorely crushed the Union forces on December 13, 1862.

Fredericksburg National Military Park was established on February 14, 1927.

		Rappahannock River This is a view of Fredericksburg and the Rappahannock River from the grounds of Chatham Manor on Stafford Heights. Burnside's men lay pontoon boats across this river to create a bridge for their troops to reach the other bank.

The Stone Wall

This wall, along the base of Marye's Heights, was used by Confederates as breastworks to thwart the attack of Union troopers. In the background (to the right), the Richard Rowland Kirkland monument depicts the Confederate sergeant who was named the "Angel of Marye's Heights" after he aided wounded Union soldiers during the first engagement.

Top photo by CNO, bottom photo by DLO.

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