Last updated: February 9, 2024
Place
Information Panel: Shooting Gallery
Photo: NPS / Claire Hassler
Quick Facts
Amenities
1 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits
On the morning of August 30, 1862, Confederate Col. Stephen D. Lee deployed 18 guns from his artillery battalion along this commanding ridge. Additional cannon, under Maj. Lindsey M. Shumaker, unlimbered to his left. The artillery linked the two wings of the Confederate army. In total, as many as 36 guns occupied this ground overlooking the rolling fields of Lucinda Dogan's farm.
At 3:00 p.m., Union troops poured out of the Groveton woods to attack Jackson's line along the unfinished railroad. From this position, Confederate gunners had a clear view of the assault- the most formidable onslaught of the three days. The artillery concentrated their fire on the advancing enemy line, one-half mile ahead. The lethal bombardment kept reinforcements from crossing the field and helped ensure the failure of the Union attack.
"Our position was an admirable one and the guns were well served." - Col. Stephen D. Lee
At 3:00 p.m., Union troops poured out of the Groveton woods to attack Jackson's line along the unfinished railroad. From this position, Confederate gunners had a clear view of the assault- the most formidable onslaught of the three days. The artillery concentrated their fire on the advancing enemy line, one-half mile ahead. The lethal bombardment kept reinforcements from crossing the field and helped ensure the failure of the Union attack.
"Our position was an admirable one and the guns were well served." - Col. Stephen D. Lee