Place

Chewning Farm

Corn stalks surrounding a gravel path.
A path leads to the location where Chewning Farm once stood.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Trailhead

The Chewning family enslaved thirteen people and operated a prosperous farm here during the war.

On the morning of May 5th, these fields were occupied by troops from the US Army 5th Corps. Their commander, General Samuel Crawford, spotted Confederates approaching from the west and realized the high ground at the Chewning Farm was tactically advantageous. However, Crawford was ordered to leave this area and move his troops elsewhere. He expressed disagreement and requested to remain, but ultimately was compelled to abandon the position.

After the US troops abandonded the position, Confederates of A.P. Hill's Corps occupied the Chewning Farm, gaining a foothold on this end of the battlefield. At one point, their officers used the roof of the farmhouse as an observation post.

A trail leads from the tour road to the site of the Chewning house, which burned in 1947.

Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park

Last updated: January 11, 2024