Germanna Ford

From the Virginia Route 3 bridge over the Rapidan River, this is a modern view of the historic Germanna Ford. Today's tree cover and landscape vegetation along the stream's banks obstruct many of the more open views that were captured during the war. I'm sure it would be best to visit this site during the Winter months. Advanced elements from the Army of the Potomac had gained possession of this crossing on May 4, 1864. The Fifth and Sixth Corps soon crossed here and went into camp. General Winfield Scott Hancock’s Second Corps crossed downstream at Ely’s Ford. As the columns proceeded, they entered the densely wooded Wilderness. Marked by heavy undergrowth, this area would host the first battle of the new campaign.