Stop 5: Alexander Allison

Allison Grave.jpg

Allison grave.

Grave #6145A

Between Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville stands a battle-scarred brick church.  Salem Church became the center of the storm on May 3-4, 1863 as part of the Chancellorsville campaign.  The Union troops who had attacked Marye’s Heights and taken them, were headed west to reinforce Hooker’s main force, but they were intercepted by Confederates near the church grounds.  Twenty-three year old 2nd Lieutenant Alexander Allison of the 96th PA was shot in the stomach on May 3rd, was transported to a hospital at Aquia Creek on May 5th, and died just hours after arriving.  His younger brother, nineteen year old John, served under Alexander as a corporal in the same regiment.  He was also killed at Salem Church but he body was never recovered; he may lie in the cemetery under an unknown marker.