Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park
Virtual Tour Stop, Massaponax Church
On May 21, General Grant realized that everywhere he maneuvered around Spotsylvania he found the Confederates in a stronger position due to improvements in earthwork fortifications. He decided to move forward to the southeast. Photographer Timothy O'Sullivan snapped this famous photo from the second floor of Massaponax Church. Grant is seen on the left bending over to look at a map held by General Meade. They are surrounded by members of their staff.
Massaponax Church is still standing. The previous photograph was taken looking out of one the upper windows. The Union officers were sitting in church pews in the foreground of this image.
Did You Know? Burnside's objective in attacking Marye's Heights is unknown. His orders simply state, "Push a column of a division or more along the Plank and Telegraph roads, with a view to seizing the heights in the rear of the town." more...