A Site of Firsts in American Military History

On December 11, 1862 this site saw the first attempt to build a bridge under fire; the first amphibious landings under fire, and the first instance of combat in a built-up area.

This is the upper crossing site used by the Army of the Potomac to cross the Rappahannock River during the Fredericksburg Campaign. The monument commemorates the crossing under fire of the 7th Michigan in pontoon boats. At the time of the battle the river was about 100' wider than it is today.