Jackson's Impact

Around Fairview, the impact of "Stonewall" Jackson's flank attack on the Union army was visible in the artillery emplacements, or lunettes, built there in May 1863. The lunettes in front were constructed at a fairly leisurely rate on May 1 and 2, 1863, facing south toward the expected direction of any Confederate attack. The lunettes to the left were dug by frantic Union artillerymen during the night of May 2-3, 1863, facing west toward Jackson's surprise assault against the Union right flank. Few attacks of the war so quickly and thoroughly changed the axis and course of a battle. On the morning of May 3, 1863, Union cannon and troops at Fairview came under furious attack as Lee assaulted from the south while Jackson's force, now commanded by J.E.B. Stuart, attacked from the west and southwest. For several hours, Fairview became the focal point of the battle as Lee struggled to destroy Hooker's army.

Lake Wilderness, Virginia · United States