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The ‘Confederate Counterattack’ wayside marker is on the walking trail on the north side of The Crater at Stop Eight on the Petersburg National Battlefield Eastern Front Auto Tour. It is equipped with a solar-powered audio presentation. The painting used in the background on the marker was done in 1869 by John A. Elder, who was at the Battle of the Crater. The painting hung in Mahone’s house in Petersburg.
From the marker:
Confederate Counterattack
“I counted 21 Union flags flying from the Crater and these works. The sight gave me no hope of ever getting away alive.”
– Capt. James E. Phillips, 12th Virginia Infantry
Union disorganization gave the Confederates the time they needed to respond to the crisis at the Crater. At 9 a.m., Confederate Brig. Gen. William Mahone’s division rushed to the depression about 200 yards to your right. Just as the Federals were forming to renew the attack, Mahone’s leading brigade charged.
In a wild melee against great odds, the 800 Virginians recaptured the trenches here, just north of the Crater. Later, other Confederates attacked the Crater itself. By mid-afternoon the Crater and its surrounding works were again in Confederate hands.
From the caption to the background painting:
The attack of Weisiger’s Brigade, showing the fighting on the ground where you are now standing. The bulging rim of the Crater is visible to the left.
