Saunders Field

Confederate troops held a well-defended line on the edge of the Wilderness.

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Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

Atop this clearing, cultivated by the Saunders family during the war, occured the opening stages of the Battle of the Wilderness and the Overland Campaign. In 1864, the field was nearly twice the size of what you see today, stretching across both sides of the road. On the morning of May 5, 1864, troops from the US Army’s Fifth Corps reached the eastern edge of the field. Confederates commanded by General Ewell simultaneously fortified the wooded western fringe. Remnants of these earthworks are still visible.

General-in-chief of US forces, Ulysses S. Grant, directed his subordinate, commander of the US Army of the Potomac, General George Meade, “If any opportunity presents itself for pitching into a part of Lee’s army, do so without giving time for disposition.” Accordingly, US troops were ordered to attack across this field at about 1:00pm. Many Federals were shot down as they advanced under heavy rifle fire, however some reached the Confederate earthworks where hand-to-hand combat occurred. Two cannons were brought forward to support the US attack and deployed in the vicinity of the modern exhibit shelter. The artillery was unable to make an impact and the cannons were captured by the Confederates. Ultimately, the entire endeavor failed, and US soldiers were forced to either surrender or retreat back to the eastern edge of the field. Some Federal officers who carried out the attack were frustrated by the hastiness and lack of preparation. General Grant was disappointed by the setback, but it did not deter him from pursuing his goal: the destruction of Lee’s army.