Marine Corps Base Quantico -- The Battle of Fredericksburg, Virginia is considered to be one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. Both sides experienced heavy casualties totaling almost 18,000, with most of those being from the Union side of the conflict. Specifically, the Confederates had 4,500 casualties, compared to the Union side, which experienced more than 13,000. The Battle of Fredericksburg is also known as one of the largest battles of the Civil War with close to 200,000 troops participating. Even though the Union greatly outnumbered the Confederate side — 100,000 to 72,497 — they still lost the battle and the win is considered to be one of the greatest Confederate victories of the war.
The Battle of Fredericksburg was led by Maj. Gen. Ambrose Burnside on the north side and Gen. Robert E. Lee of the south.
Lee, after winning the battle, said “It is well that war is so terrible, or we should grow too fond of it.”
In remembrance of the famous battle, which took place Dec. 11-15 1862, the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center, located at 1013 Lafayette Blvd., Fredericksburg, Virginia, is hosting special events for the public Dec. 12 and 13 so you can experience an important piece of history. The events are part of the commemoration of the 153rd anniversary of the Battle of Fredericksburg. Following is a schedule of events:
Dec. 12
Descending into the abyss: The upper crossing
• 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• River terraces at Chatham Manor, 120 Chatham Ln.
Take a walking tour with your tour guide and gaze upon the newly rehabilitated landscape at Chatham Manor, where witnesses in 1862 saw the struggle of the Union engineers as they attempted to build pontoon bridges under enemy fire so Union troops could cross the Rappahannock River.
Backyard battlefields: Street fighting in Fredericksburg
• Noon to 2 p.m.
• Central Rappahannock Regional Library, 1201 Caroline St.
Walk along the streets where soldiers fought literally house-to-house as the Union army attacked the city of Fredericksburg on Dec. 11, 1862.
Misery and mayhem: The bombardment and looting of Fredericksburg
• 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Fredericksburg Market Square, 1002 Princess Anne St.
Enjoy walking the streets of Fredericksburg with your guide as you listen and learn about the Dec. 11, 1862 bombardment of the city of Fredericksburg by the Union soldiers. The city was under heavy artillery fire (100 shells per minute) from the Union side and after the shelling stopped, the men rowed across the river to begin a bloody street fight in Fredericksburg with Confederate soldiers. The next day, the Union soldiers looted and destroyed houses and personal items of the citizens of the city, which is considered to be an embarrassment of the Union troops.
Dec. 13
Battle in the balance: Breakthrough at Prospect Hill
• 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• Fredericksburg Battlefield Tour Stop 6, South Lee Drive
Drive through the streets of Fredericksburg on a guided tour of the conflict that ensued at Prospect Hill on Dec. 12, 1862. This fight was considered to be the Union’s only breakthrough fight during the battle Dec. 11-15. During the tour, you will follow in the footsteps of the men that fought at Prospect Hill and be able to imagine what it was like to fight in the Civil War.
Irish Brigade walking tour
• Noon to 2 p.m.
• Fredericksburg City Dock
This guided walking tour is an annual tradition. Participants will walk the same path as the Irish Brigade as they marched into battle Dec. 13, 1862. The tour concludes at Sunken Road by the stone wall, where there will be a talk given by D. Scott Hartwig, retired historian of the National Park Service. The famous stone wall is what Confederate soldiers used as a shield to enemy fire when Union soldiers attacked. The wall protected Confederate troops so well that only 300 soldiers were hit by enemy gunfire, in contrast to the 8,000 Union soldiers that were hit by enemy gunfire.
The Battle of Fredericksburg Anniversary Program
• 2 p.m.
• Kirkland Memorial, Sunken Road
The informative program will be highlighted by a presentation given by historian and author Hartwig, who will be the keynote speaker. The entire program is expected to last approximately 40 minutes, so bring the kids.
Dec. 19
A 19th Century Christmas at Ellwood Manor
• 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• 36380 Constitution Hwy. (Route 20), Locust Grove
This free event has something for the entire family. From 9 a.m. to noon the children can enjoy a visit with Santa and engage in arts and crafts projects for the holidays. From noon to 2 p.m. attendees can enjoy music from the 19th century performed by Evergreen Shade.
Open House
• 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Enjoy an open house with light refreshments at Ellwood Manor. Volunteers will be on site to talk about the house and its history and answer questions.
For more information on any of these events call the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center at 540-693-3200 or visit www.nps.gov/frsp/planyourvisit/special.htm.