Tactical Terrain

Fall Hill formed the north end of a Confederate line of earthworks behind Fredericksburg that extended nearly seven miles to the Rappahannock River. This rising ground anchored a fortified position that included a trench, supporting artillery lunettes on the tip of the hill, and similar pits to the left and right, all connected by interlocking fields of fire to stop an attacking force advancing up the hill. The ravines offered the main avenue of attack because the terrain there provided some protection. Confederates manned these works during the December 1862 Battle of Fredericksburg and endured intense artillery fire from across the river. On May 3, 1863, during the Second Battle of Fredericksburg, Federal troops occupied these trenches with artillery support from positions across the river. On May 4, Confederates advanced up the ravine on the opposite side of this road and forced the Union troops here to withdraw.

Fredericksburg, Virginia · United States