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The “Prelude to the Crater” and “View of the Crater from Fort Morton” wayside markers were at Stop Seven on the Petersburg Eastern Front Auto Tour.
These markers have reportedly been removed.
The marker is next to the “View of the Crater from Fort Morton” wayside marker
Text from the marker:
Prelude to the Crater
“The mine is all finished, the powder in, the fuse all ready. I hope that the attack will be successful, for if it is, we shall have Petersburg in our possession.”
– Col. Stephen M. Weld, 50th Massachusetts
July 28, 1864
The predawn darkness of July 30, 1864, shrouded intense Union preparations on this ridge. Thousands of troops filed quietly into the ravine and trenches in front. More than 160 cannon crowded the earthworks to your right and left. Maj. Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside, commander of the attacking force, took his place in the 14-gun battery (Fort Morton) behind you. By 3:30 a.m. all was ready. Only one detail remained: the explosion of the mine.
Text from the marker:
View of the Crater from Fort Morton
The Crater
2,175 ft
Tunnel Entrance
1770 ft
Map to the former location of the markers
The markers were at Stop Seven on the Auto Tour, about 240 yards down the walking trail from the parking area. (37°13’10.1″N 77°22’10.4″W)