A Final Effort wayside marker on the Petersburg National Battlefield

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The “A Final Effort” wayside marker is at Fort Stedman, Stop Five on the Petersburg National Battlefield Auto Tour. The marker is on the walking trail 50 yards north of the parking area. It is equipped with an audio message powered by a solar panel.

The 'A Final Effort ' wayside marker on the Petersburg National Battlefield

Text from the marker:

A Final Effort

Desperate to relieve the Union noose strangling Petersburg, on March 25, 1865, General Lee used pre-dawn darkness and stealth to pierce the Union Line here at Fort Steadman.

Though initially successful, the attack soon lost momentum. Union reinforcements arrived and counterattacked. The Confederates fell back over and into the Fort; hundreds were killed or captured.

Never again would Robert E. Lee launch a major offensive. A week later Petersburg would fall.

Caption for the background image:

“We were very much elated at first, as we thought we had won a great victory.”
– Capt. R.D. Funkhouser, 4th Virginia

Text from the time line at the bottom of the marker:

Petersburg Time Line
9 months and 18 days

Union attack on the Dimmock Line
Federals sever Jerusalem Plank Road
Battle of the Crater
City Point Wharf Explosion
Federals Sever the Weldon Railroad
Battle of Peeble’s Farm
Battle of the Boydon Plank Road
Battle of Hatchers Run
Confederate Attack on Fort Stedman Fails
Battle of Five Forks
Confederates Evecuate Petersburg

Map to the location of the marker

The marker is at Stop Five on the Petersburg National Battlefield Eastern Front Auto Tour. It is on the walking trail 50 yards north of the parking area. (37°13’56.0″N 77°22’09.9″W)