The pictures that you will find by clicking on the link below are from two sources.  The top set is from the book The First Maine Heavy Artillery, by Horace Shaw and Charles House, 1903.  They were taken in 1895 at the Dedication of the Monument to the Regiment, at the Petersburg Battlefield.  The second set of photographs has been provided to us by Mr. Ashleigh Moody, a lifetime resident of Petersburg who cares about the Battlefield very much.  Through his kind and generous efforts we have the opportunity to see the changes in the area in the last 107 years (138 years since the actual charge.)

I should warn you that, if you deeply care about the preservation of this spot where so many Maine men gave their lives, you may find some of the 2002 photographs 'disturbing.'  I know I did.  I do not yet know the chronology of the Battlefield from 1895 to today, and how the situation we find today came about.  I will learn, though, and I will update this page with information when I do.  

Should the Visitor have Comments and/or Opinion regarding the status of this Battlefield, I encourage you to post them on the Maine Civil War Discussion Forum.

EXAMPLE #1:
If you look at the image labeled "Petersburg Battlefield  Confederate Side View" you will see a picture taken in 1895 of the 1st Maine monument.  The numbers on the picture show that the charge on June 18th, 1864 came from the tree line just to the left and rear of the monument.  All of the lives were lost within an acre surrounding the monument. 

Now look at the picture with the tag "May be Disturbing" and you will see the private "houses" that have been built. and where they are in relation to the monument!!  Need I say more?  I will - in the coming days!

EXAMPLE #2:
Look at the 1895 picture labeled "Petersburg Battlefield Union Side View" (the first one on the top left.) This picture was taken from the Plank Road and looks directly to the south with the monument in the center. The lable on the bottom of the picture will provide orientation.

Now look at the 2002 picture labeled "Will be Disturbing," for the same view today. The monument location is provided by the arrow, which is necessary because of the houses in the way!!!!

Keep checking back - I am learning new bits and pieces every day!!

Clarence Woodcock