Wilderness Exhibit Shelter

The Armies

The Army of the Potomac

Throughout the winter of 1863-1864, the armies rested and refitted on opposites sides of the Rapidan River. The ranks of the Union army swelled with thousands of new draftees and recruits - soldiers whose commitment to the cause many questioned.

"Never in a war...did the rank and file feel a more resolute earnestness for a just cause, and a more invincible determination to succeed...."

Wilbur Fisk, 2nd Vermont Infantry, April 7, 1864

Commander: Major General George Gordon Meade

Strength: 120,000 men and 275 cannon

The Army of Northern Virginia

The Confederates struggled to keep their existing regiments full. In the Wilderness they would bring to the battle 13,000 fewer men than they had fielded at Gettysburg the year before.

"The troops are all in excellent spirits, and eager for the fray. Gen. Grant's glory will soon vanish away, and his great name buried along with those of his unfortunate predecessors."

Samuel Clyde, 2nd South Carolina Infantry, April 28, 1864

Commander: General Robert E. Lee

Strength: 60,000 men and 226 cannon

Marker is on Constitution Highway (State Highway 20), on the right when traveling west.

Courtesy hmdb.org

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