The Mine Run Campaign
Meade vs. Lee
“The promptness with which this unexpected attack was met and repulsed reflects great credit upon General Johnson and the officers and men of his division.” — Gen. Robert E. Lee, CSA
“The delay in the movements of the Third Corps, and, particularly the failure to affect a junction at Robertson’s Tavern, was one of the primary causes of the failure of the recent movement.” — Gen. George Gordon Meade, USA
Eager to strike Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia before winter, Union Gen. George Gordon Meade planned a flanking movement across the Rapidan River late in 1863. Meade intended to force the Southerners to abandon their strong defensive position along the upper Rapidan. Success depended on the timely movement of the different portions of his army and their juncture at Locust Grove, south of the river.
The Mine Run Campaign began on November 26, 1863. Rain, bad roads, and an inadequate knowledge of the terrain hindered Meade’s movements. After long delays and before the Union forces could assemble at Locust Grove, elements of the Union and Confederate armies clashed here at Payne’s Farm on November 27. By the next day, Confederate forces had established a seemingly impregnable line of defenses behind Mine Run, a tributary of the Rapidan. Meade ordered his army back across the Rapidan River and into winter camp. After more than 1,900 combined casualties, both armies returned to the positions they occupied before the Mine Run Campaign.
Marker is at the intersection of Zoar Road (Virginia Route 611) and Zoar School Road, on the left when traveling north on Zoar Road.
Courtesy hmdb.org
