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The “Heater Fields” wayside marker is just outside Middletown, Virginia on the northwest side of the Valley Pike (US 11). It was erected by Blue and Gray Education Society and the Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation. (39° 1.282′ N, 78° 17.354′ W; see map below)
The view west from the Valley Pike across the Heater fields, on a crisp, foggy October morning very much like the day of the battle.
From the marker:
Heater Fields
The 2nd (Vermont) Brigade of the 2nd Division, VI U.S. Corps, briefly deployed around the Heater House as skirmishers in the first federal effort to stop the 19 October 1864 Confederate morning attack. When this proved unfeasible, the entire division withdrew to defensive positions on the high ground to the north. Units from the divisions of Confederate Generals Stephen D. Ramseur, John Pegram, and Gabriel C. Wharton then advanced past the Heater House in pursuit while two Confederate artillery batteries supported them from positions flanking the house.
Donated to the People of the United States
by
William an Susan Vodrey,
Cleveland Ohio
Photo captions:
9th Vermont infantry on the march
Confederate General Stephen D. Ramseur. Ramseur led his men across these fields and was mortally wounded later in the day. He died at Belle Grove.
The “Heater Fields” wayside marker is 0.8 mi. southwest of Middletown, Virginia on the northwest side of the Valley Pike (US 11).