Fraternizing at the Ford
The Rappahannock River During the Civil War
The Rappahannock River served as a barrier separating the Union and Confederate Armies during the winter of 1862-63. Places where the water level, the river bottom, and the steepness of the banks were favorable for crossings were known as "fords." At Banks' Ford, Alabama troops under Col. Hilary Herbert guarded the Confederate side of the river. Although fraternizing with the enemy was against orders, the opposing soldiers often arranged informal truces.
Warning the Troops
Detachments of soldiers called "pickets" guarded places along the river that were of military value. Their mission was to give warning if an opposing force should advance. The Union pickets in the foreground of this image were directly across the river from this point.
Marker is on River Road 0.7 miles west of Bragg Road, on the right when traveling west.
Courtesy hmdb.org
