Chancellorsville, Virginia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chancellorsville, Virginia
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Ruins of George Chancellor's house at Chancellorsville battlefield
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 Chancellorsville, Virginia
Location in Northern Virginia
Chancellorsville, Virginia
Location in Virginia
Chancellorsville, Virginia
Location in the United States
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Virginia |
| County | Spotsylvania |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| GNIS feature ID | 1492743 |
Chancellorsville is a very important historical place in Spotsylvania County, Virginia. It's about ten miles west of Fredericksburg. The name comes from an old inn run by the Chancellor family in the mid-1800s. This inn was located where two main roads met.
This area was the site of two major battles during the American Civil War. The Battle of Chancellorsville happened here in May 1863. The Battle of the Wilderness was fought nearby in May 1864. These battles were very significant in American history.
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Chancellorsville: A Historic Battlefield
Chancellorsville is known for its role in the American Civil War. Many important events happened here. The land itself tells stories of the past.
The Battle of Chancellorsville
In May 1863, a huge battle took place at Chancellorsville. It was a major fight between the Union and Confederate armies. Union General Joseph Hooker had his headquarters at the Chancellor Inn. This battle is famous for a risky move by Confederate General Stonewall Jackson. He led his troops on a surprise attack around the Union army's side.
"Stonewall" Jackson's Story
During the 1863 battle, something tragic happened to Stonewall Jackson. He was a very skilled Confederate general. Sadly, he was accidentally wounded by his own soldiers. This is called "friendly fire." He died eight days later, on May 10, 1863, from pneumonia. His death was a big loss for the Confederate side.
Protecting History
Today, parts of the Chancellorsville and Wilderness battlefields are protected. They are part of the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. This park helps save these important historical sites. It stops new buildings from being built on the battlefields.
The exact spot of the Chancellor Inn, where General Hooker stayed, is preserved. The place where General Jackson was wounded is also protected. The house where Jackson died is in Caroline County. It is also part of the national military park. These sites help us remember the past. They teach us about the Civil War.
Images for kids
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Wilderness Church at Chancellorsville was the center of a stand made by Union general Schurz's division during Stonewall Jackson's surprise flank attack.
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Ruins of the Chancellor House which was the headquarters of Federal General Joseph Hooker of the Army of the Potomac during the battle, later burned, May 1863
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Half stereo detail of Lt George Chancellor Co E 9th Virginia Cavalry on the Wilderness Battlefield, standing at some Confederate breastworks near Palmer's field on the Orange Turnpike – George Oscar Brown, 1866
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