From the Blue and Gray Education Web Site-North Anna–Ox Ford County Park is BGES’ Flagship operation with a relationship of more than 20 years. To date, BGES has completed three sign projects at this pristine county-managed battlefield park. We also have completed a site brochure, sponsored a regional map of historical sites, and are consulting on interpretation near Gaines Mill/Cold Harbor. A visit to North Anna includes 23 signs divided between a Blue Trail (13 signs) and a Gray Trail (10 signs). In 2014 the BGES received the Patrick Henry Award from the Hanover County Historical Society for its contributions to the community.
The North Anna Battlefield Park Sign Project link
Beginning at Stop 7 on the Gray Trail, the total distance of the Blue Trail to each stop is 2,514 yards or 1.4 miles. Walking time is 32 minutes. Walking time + 4-minute stop at each sign totals 84 minutes. Total distance to return to start of Blue trail (skipping 366 yard round trip to Stops 6 & 7) is 2,148 yards; walking time is 26 minutes. From start of Blue Trail directly to the Parking Lot is 1,021 yards or 13 minutes. Round trip distance for the Blue Trail, starting and ending at the parking lot, is 6,704 yards or 3.8 miles. Round trip walking time is approximately 136 minutes. The wording from the stops below is from the brochure.
Stop #1- Men from Massachusetts, May 24, 1864, 6:45PM. The soldiers in Ledlies Brigade were unable to advance and tried to take cover in this ravine. When the 12th Mississippi Infantry came out of their earthworks and charged, Federal troops ran for the woods behind them.
Stop #2- Like the Coming of a Cyclone, May 24, 6:00-6:30PM. These fighting pits were used by the 2nd Georgia Battalion to guard fords over the river, and to fire into the flank of Ledlie’s advancing brigade.
The platform provides a view of a large ravine
Stop #3- Run for Safety, May 24, 6:45pm to 7:30PM. In the mix of Union and Confederate regiments, plus a thunderstorm, a number of Federal soldiers were captured. Although they survived the battle, many later died in prison at Andersonville, Georgia.
Stop #4- Grant Reacts, May 25-26. The repulse of Ledlie’s assault alerted Grant that Confederates held Ox Ford in strength and the Union Army was in danger. Grant ordered pontoon bridges constructed, and corps commanders to stop and dig in.
Stop #5- Ledlie’s Legacy, May 24. Ledlie was not reprimanded for his performance here but promoted to brigadier general. Later, at the Battle of the Crater, he was found hiding in a bunker during an attack and driven from the Army in disgrace.
Stop #6- Night of Agony May 24-25. Ledlie’s men reached safety after uniting with the 3rd Brigade, lst Division. The sight of these beaten soldiers motivated the new men to construct breastworks.
Stop #7- River War, May 25-27. Sharpshooters and skirmishers fought a deadly battle along the North Anna River and the 3rd Georgia captured some Union pickets on May 27.
Views of the river
Stop #8- Reinforcements Arrive, May 24-25. Crawford’s Division, 5th Corps, joined Crittenden’s Division in the afternoon. Both were isolated that night and began the earthworks you see. Two brigades of the 6th Corps marched in as reinforcements.
Stop #9- Death Under Trees, May 25. At daybreak, General Warren advanced the 5th Corps, located the Confederates and dug in opposite A.P. Hill’s line. Hill waited for attack orders that never came. Fighting on the skirmish line was vicious.
Stop #10- Deadly Skirmishing, May 25. Since May 5, the 56th Pennsylvania Infantry had lost all field grade and staff officers, and all 10 captains. First Lieutenant Charles Baker of Company A commanded the regiment.
This sign sits at the base of a ravine. One of many along this trail.
Stop #11- Griffin’s Artillery, May 25. General Griffin, 5th Corps, reinforced his skirmish line with 16 cannons. Confederate sharpshooters failed to silence the guns.
Stop #12- Dig, Dig, and Dig Some More. The earthworks here form a unique pattern known as the “V’s”. The defensive line is like a horseshoe with the flanks anchored on the steep riverbanks. Once completed, Lee lost any chance of a successful attack. Fierce skirmish battles took place in the woods behind you.
Stop #13- Stalemate. May 26-27. Grant recognized the strength of Lee’s position and told Washington an attack would be too costly. On the night of May 26-27, the Union Army re-crossed the North Anna River and began another turning movement around the confederate right flank.
The trenches of the multiple Vs are located here. This one runs near the base of the viewing platform. It is shallow but visible to the naked eye. It is best photographed looking back at the platform. The ferns are growing on the side of the wall furthest from the platform.
The other Vs are best seen on the videos below.
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