Harrison House - Spotsylvania Court House VA - U.S. Civil War Sites on Waymarking.com

Edgar and Ann Harrison and their two daughters lived on a knoll in a 1½-story house on their 190-acre farm in Spotsylvania County, VA. When the Civil War broke out, Edgar enlisted with the 9th Virginia Cavalry.

In May 1864, when the Union and Confederate armies met and clashed at Spotsylvania Court House, the Harrison House was caught in the middle. On May 11, Ann and the kids watched as Lt. Gen. Richard S. Ewell came to the door and proclaimed the house as Confederate headquarters. Gen. Robert E. Lee pitched his tent in the yard. Edgar Harrison was with his unit defending the Confederate flank only a couple of miles away from his home. He watched in horror when shooting and fighting broke out on his property. Fortunately, his family and their slaves had escaped to a neighbor's house.

Today, only parts of the foundation remain of the house. After the war, it eventually burned down.

Edgar and Ann and their daughters are buried at nearby Christ Church in Spotsylvania Courthouse. Their 4 tombstones stand between the church and All Saints Hall.

References:

• Christ Church Spotsylvania > Parish History > A Church Member Fights for His Home
• On-site information

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