June 30, 2014

Not too long ago I decided to finally walk the path at the Point of Woods near the Virginia State Memorial. Not surprisingly, it was a distant glimpse of a cannon at the end of the path that prompted me to make the plunge. (It’s not a difficult walk, but add in 85 degrees and high humidity and you’ll see what I mean). The first thing I noticed was how nice the fences looked. It was peaceful along the path, hidden under tree branches, near the cool damp woods. This is the sort of picture that gives you a much better understanding of how the field looked in 1863.

To my great enthusiasm, there are actually four artillery pieces located at the end of the path, though only one can be accessed easily (and the National Park Service folks don’t appreciate people climbing the fences, so I contented myself with this view). I like the contrast of Napoleons and Parrotts. The rock ledge seen at bottom right was part of a little sitting area which housed a nice stone wall, a few wooden benches, and an informational plaque.

Finally, here’s the view from the end of the Point of Woods path. The marker isn’t in the greatest shape, but the view is incredible (love those blue summer skies!) The white Abraham Brian farm is visible, as is the Copse and the tall U. S. Regulars monument. (There are other monuments, but they’re difficult to see from this distance). It was a nice trek and one that can be a lot more taxing than it looks in hot weather.

**HONORED TODAY**

PVT. NICHOLAS HALL

Co. A, 38^TH North Carolina Infantry

Born 1833 --- Died July 12, 1863 at age 30

Pvt. Hall enlisted in October 1861, leaving behind a civilian life as a farmer. He suffered an injury at Second Bull Run (or Second Manassas) and recovered, but wasn’t so lucky at Gettysburg. He was mortally wounded on the field and died less than two weeks later.


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