Spindle House

Many Spotsylvania families lost property during the war, but Sarah Spindle nearly lost her life. The 36-year-old widow and her family had just sat down to breakfast on May 8, 1864, when the popping of rifles announced the presence of hostile troops. Confederate soldiers started digging protective earthworks on one side of the farm (in front of you). Minutes later Union infantry appeared on the other side of the farm, behind you. They soon charged into Mrs. Spindle's yard and orchard. Fighting raged. For the rest of the day Mrs. Spindle's farm would become the most contested piece of ground in North America. Fearing that the Federals would use the house as cover, Confederate artillery pummeled it with explosive shells, setting it on fire. Mrs. Spindle and her family ran screaming into the bedlam outside. They dodged their way southward (to your right) and crossed the Po River to safety. The house burned to the ground. Sarah Spindle escaped with her life but lost everything else.