General Maxcy Gregg fell mortally wounded near this spot on December 13, 1862. Fiery and uncompromising on the issues of slavery and states' rights, the South Carolina lawyer had been an early and ardent proponent of secession. When war came, Gregg, like many pre-war politicians, sought a place at the head of his state's troops. Having voted to take his state out of the Union, he was willing to fight - and die - to keep it out.

When, at midday on December 13, Union troops broke into the woods in front of you, Gregg at first misidentified them as Confederate pickets. He ordered his South Carolinians, atop this ridge, to hold their fire - a fatal mistake. A union bullet struck Gregg in the side, piercing his spine. Two days later he died, having assured the governor of his state, "I yield my life cheerfully, fighting for the independence of South Carolina."

Sorry, but we don't have a picture of this historical marker yet. If you have a picture, please share it with us. It's simple to do. 1) Become a member. 2) Adopt this historical marker listing. 3) Upload the picture.

Show me all markers in:  Fredericksburg, VA  |  22408  |  Virginia  |  United States of America

Union Breakthrough
The Meade Pyramid
A Southern Memorial
Jackson
Jackson Holds Prospect Hill
Dead Horse Hill
Hamilton's Crossing
Fredericksburg Campaign
Slaughter Pen Farm
Slaughter Pen Farm

• GPX
• KML
• LOC

Have you seen this marker? If so, check in and tell us about it.