VA-W43 Battle of Williamsburg

Marker text: BATTLE OF WILLIAMSBURG

To the east of the road here, centering Fort Magruder, was fought the Battle of Williamsburg on May 5, 1862. The Union General McClellan was pursuing General Johnston's retiring army, the rearguard of which was commanded by General Longstreet. Johnston ordered Longstreet to hold off McClellan's attacking forces until the Confederate wagon trains, bogged down in the mud, were out of danger. This mission was accomplished and Johnston continued his retirement.

Virginia Conservation Commission, 1948.