Last updated: January 11, 2024
Place
Longstreet's Wounding
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Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits
After Confederates hlated the Federal attack that nearly swept over the Confederates at Tapp Field on the morning of May 6th, Confederate leadership discovered an unfinished railroad grade that led through the woods to the vulnerable left flank of the US army. General Longstreet organized a strike force that effectively “rolled up” the unsuspecting Federals.
The 12th Virginia was part of Longstreet's flanking force advancing perpendicular to the Orange Plank Road. As the troops approached the road, they ran into a small forest fire. Members of the right of the unit went around the right end of the fire, crossed the road and entered the woods. The left portion of the regiment went to the left of the fire and stopped before reaching the road. When the right portion realized they had left behind the rest of their command, they turned around and moved back toward the road. As they did so, the men of the left of the regiment saw soldiers approaching and opened fire, which drew a response.
In the chaos, the Confederate accidentally shot General Longstreet. He survived the serious wound but was removed from the battlefield and General Richard H. Anderson took command of his corps for the remainder of the campaign. Wishing to capitalize on the success of Longstreet’s flank attack, General Lee renewed the Confederate assaults and focused them against the Federal positions along the Brock Road.
The 12th Virginia was part of Longstreet's flanking force advancing perpendicular to the Orange Plank Road. As the troops approached the road, they ran into a small forest fire. Members of the right of the unit went around the right end of the fire, crossed the road and entered the woods. The left portion of the regiment went to the left of the fire and stopped before reaching the road. When the right portion realized they had left behind the rest of their command, they turned around and moved back toward the road. As they did so, the men of the left of the regiment saw soldiers approaching and opened fire, which drew a response.
In the chaos, the Confederate accidentally shot General Longstreet. He survived the serious wound but was removed from the battlefield and General Richard H. Anderson took command of his corps for the remainder of the campaign. Wishing to capitalize on the success of Longstreet’s flank attack, General Lee renewed the Confederate assaults and focused them against the Federal positions along the Brock Road.