Last updated: April 5, 2024
Place
Tapp Field
NPS Photo
Quick Facts
Amenities
2 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Trailhead
These fields were owned by James Horace Lacy, the owner of Ellwood, and leased to a 55-year-old widow named Catharine Tapp.
On the morning of May 6, 1864, this farm and its occupants witnessed a dramatic scene. A large US attack from the east pushed Confederate forces back to this vicinity, where only a line of cannons remained to save Lee’s army. All eyes were on the Orange Plank Road, as Confederate reinforcements from General James Longstreet’s Corps were expected to arrive any moment. General Lee was visibly distraught as potential disaster loomed. Then a column of troops approached, led by the renowned Texas brigade.
Lee accompanied the Confederate infantry as it deployed to halt the Federal advance. The troops realized their leader was in harm’s way, and raised chants of “Lee to the rear!” as a Texan grabbed the reins of Lee’s horse and led him away from danger. The brigade pitched into the US formations and, along with the rest of Longstreet’s force, held the Federals at bay, but lost 500 of their 800 men in the charge.
Another remarkable incident occurred when the Tapp family attempted to escape the battle by running out of their nearby house. Young Phenie Tapp, only four years old, recalled how “the bullets struck the dirt around them, kicking up dust like the first drops of a coming storm.” Miraculously, the Tapps survived the ordeal, just one of numerous local families impacted by the war.
Start: Tapp Field, Tour Stop 6. As the battle hung in the balance on the edge of this field, Confederate reinforcements arrived here just in time to save the Army of Northern Virginia.A one mile trail includes interpretive signs, cannons, original earthworks, and a monument to the Texas brigade.
On the morning of May 6, 1864, this farm and its occupants witnessed a dramatic scene. A large US attack from the east pushed Confederate forces back to this vicinity, where only a line of cannons remained to save Lee’s army. All eyes were on the Orange Plank Road, as Confederate reinforcements from General James Longstreet’s Corps were expected to arrive any moment. General Lee was visibly distraught as potential disaster loomed. Then a column of troops approached, led by the renowned Texas brigade.
Lee accompanied the Confederate infantry as it deployed to halt the Federal advance. The troops realized their leader was in harm’s way, and raised chants of “Lee to the rear!” as a Texan grabbed the reins of Lee’s horse and led him away from danger. The brigade pitched into the US formations and, along with the rest of Longstreet’s force, held the Federals at bay, but lost 500 of their 800 men in the charge.
Another remarkable incident occurred when the Tapp family attempted to escape the battle by running out of their nearby house. Young Phenie Tapp, only four years old, recalled how “the bullets struck the dirt around them, kicking up dust like the first drops of a coming storm.” Miraculously, the Tapps survived the ordeal, just one of numerous local families impacted by the war.
While you're here...
Hike the Widow Tapp Farm Trail
1 mi (1.6 km) round trip.Start: Tapp Field, Tour Stop 6. As the battle hung in the balance on the edge of this field, Confederate reinforcements arrived here just in time to save the Army of Northern Virginia.A one mile trail includes interpretive signs, cannons, original earthworks, and a monument to the Texas brigade.