Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia

   Over the days of December 11th to the 15th in 1862, the Battle of Fredericksburg was fought in Virginia. The Confederate Army led by General Robert E Lee were entrenched along a sunken road upon Marye's Heights above the town. In the first days, the Union Army, led by General Ambrose Burnside, made their way across the Rappahanock River on pontoons and in boats. Once they arrived in the small town they were met with building by building skirmishing.

   Eventually on the morning on the 13th, Union forces began to advance past the town and on a line to the south of town. Here, on the Confederate's right flank, were the forces of General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson. Later in the day, the battle concentrated at the base of the Heights and the Union suffered considerable losses as they attempted to cross fields with no cover. Union losses were numbered 12,653(over 1200 killed).
   Today you can see the "sunken road" upon Marye's Heights as well as trenches in the southern end of the battlefield known as the Slaughter Pen. There are numerous monuments, including one to the soldier known as "The Angel of Marye's Heights", Confederate Sgt Richard Rowland Kirkland, who was said to have brought water to fallen Union soldiers despite being under fire. There are also large National and Confederate Cemeteries. Most of the battlefield where so many soldiers fell is now neighborhoods.