One of my favorite places to visit, every time I come down to Farmville is the Sayler's Creek (also known as Sailor's Creek) battlefield near Rice, VA. I spent quite a bit of time there as a teen after getting my drivers license, and I still do not tire of the peaceful location. A chance to meditate on what took place there almost 150 years ago. Yesterday's visit was a little chilly, but it was a beautiful day otherwise. Yesterday also marked the first time I had gone up to see the Lockett House where a significant portion of the battle took place.
A view from the position of Lieutenant General Ewell's Department of Richmond forces looking east toward's Federal positions at the Hillsman House. On this clear winter day, you can see the house off in the distance.
A 3-inch Ordnance rifle and caisson represent the Federal artillery positions during the battle.
The Lockett House. In the fields across from this house, Major General John Gordon's Confederate 2nd Corps made it's stand against pursuing Federal forces. Gordon's corps had been slowed down when the wagon train they were protecting became bogged down in the muddy road near Double Bridges. The 23rd Virginia Infantry fought at this location as part of Terry's Brigade (Col Williams commanding) of Gordon's Division (BG Evans commanding).
This is Double Bridges (there used to be two bridges here...ta da!) where Confederate wagons became bogged down, forcing Gordon's 2nd Corps to slow down it's retreat.
After being pushed back two separate times, Gordon's Confederate 2nd Corps made their final stand at this portion of the Lockett farm that is adjacent to Double Bridges.
I hope you enjoyed this little photo tour of the area. I will definitely be posting more photos from my Virginia trip this week.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it.
