The Battle of the Wilderness

At the battles of the Wilderness and Spotsylvania Court House, Grant would not only struggle against Lee’s army, but also against the conservative, sometimes timid, methods of the Union Army of the Potomac. George G. Meade, commander of that army, was a cautious leader – much like the commanders who preceded him. Lee made a career of using Union caution to his advantage.

Although Grant had no wish to interfere with Meade’s handling of the Army of the Potomac, he increasingly found it necessary to impose his will upon his subordinate. The aggressive tactics employed by the army throughout 1864 and 1865 carried Grant’s stamp above all others.

Lee’s army will be your objective point. Wherever Lee goes, there you will go also.

- Ulysses S. Grant to George G. Meade

Marker can be reached from Constitution Highway (Virginia Route 20), on the right when traveling west.

Courtesy hmdb.org

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