Cold Harbor • Tour the Battlefield • Monuments & Markers • The Armies
This is the second trailside marker along the one mile Cold Harbor Battlefield primary walking trail. It is next to the ‘Cold Harbor – Confederate Main Line’ monument at the eastern edge of the Visitor Center area.
The “We must hold this line” trailside marker is next to the “Confederate Main Line” monument as the walking trail leaves the Visitor Center area.
Text from the marker:
We Must Hold This Line
After two days of bitter combat, Confederate infantry built their final line of defense across this spot. Remnants of that line are visible emerging from the woods to your left. Richmond stood only nine miles to the southwest and General Lee knew that he must hold here. A Federal victory could mean the destruction of his army and the fall of the Confederate capital.
Once completed, the opposing battle lines at Cold Harbor stretching nearly seven miles. You are standing at the center of the Confederate position.
View north from the marker toward the Confederate earthworks
Location of the marker
The marker is about 50 yards east of the Cold Harbor Visitor Center area at Richmond National Battlefield Park. (37°35’07.5″N 77°17’11.0″W)