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Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park Interpretive exhibits on May 1 battlefield
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Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park
May 1 Battlefield
Sketch of advance of Sykes' Division on May 1, 1863.
May 1 marked a turning point in the battle. The Union forces had a very good plan which they executed extremely well in early stages. However, the Union troops stopped at Chancellorsville in the early afternoon of April 30 and did not move out for almost 24 hours. This gave time to the Confederates to react. Finally on the late morning of May 1, Sykes' Division marches out on the Orange Turnpike as depicted in this sketch. Confederates under "Stonewall" Jackson aggressively advanced toward them.
 
May 1 Battlefield
The forces clashed here on what is now known as the May 1 Chancellorsville Battlefield. This photo is facing east, the direction the Union forces were advancing. The initial Confederate position was on a very slight rise shown here near the farm house in the right center of the photo.
 
Interpretive signs on May 1 Battlefield
Despite having all the advantages, General Hooker made a crucial decision to withdraw to Chancellorsville. By doing so, he gave up open ground that his troops needed in exchange for fighting in the dense woods of the Wilderness. More importantly, he surrendered control of the initiative to Lee and Jackson.
 
May 1 Battlefield
This part of the Battlefield is owned by Civil War Preservation Trust.
 
May 1 battlefield
This map shows the 4th of 5 phases of the May 1 fight. The Civil War Preservation Trust preserves over 300 acres which is located north of the Orange Turnpike near the center of the map.
 
Sign for McLaws's Trail
Proceed to Virtual Tour Stop, McLaws's Line

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Hazel Grove at Chancellorsville Battlefield

Did You Know?
Hazel Grove was a plateau of high ground that General Hooker gave up on the early morning of May 3, 1863. Realizing that this ground was the key to winning the battle, the Confederates quickly seized it and concentrated artillery which had an advanteous position to the Union artillery at Fairview.
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Last Updated: December 24, 2007 at 10:24 MST