Fredericksburg: “War So Terrible” & Peaceful Beauty

by Chris Heisey

Posted on December 13, 2023

On the 161st anniversary of the battle of Fredericksburg, let’s pause and reflect. The beauty of the now peaceful, preserved areas contrasts sharply with the history of “war so terrible” that occurred here.

A frozen cross is etched into a puddle at the Slaughter Pen at Fredericksburg, VA.
Late autumn’s foliage covers the ground at Prospect Hill on the 160th anniversary of the battle.
The National Cemetery on Maryre’s Heights under the watchful eye of General Humphery’s baths in late afternoon December light.
Reflective splendor of autumn’s palette covers the water surface of the Rappahannock River at the pontoon crossings.
The Chatham House rear entrance where the Union Army of the Potomac made their headquarters in December 1862.
Harvested corn at the Slaughter Pen where Union forces suffered steep losses.
The Martha Stephens House is brimmed with battle anniversary light.
Hoarfrost blankets graves at the Confederate Cemetery in downtown Fredericksburg.
The Angel of Maryre’s Heights Monument memorializes Confederate Sgt. Richard Kirkland’s heroic water mission to wounded Union troops after the battle.

3 Responses to Fredericksburg: “War So Terrible” & Peaceful Beauty

  2. What wonderful, evocative photographs! The picture of the harvested corn seems like a field of dispersed abatis.

    Reply

  3. I am grateful for the efforts of the American Battlefield Trust to preserve and interpret the Slaughter Pen Farm. Because of the availability of that land, I have a better appreciation of the vast area of the fighting.

    Reply

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