Meet Richard Rowland Kirkland, a Confederate soldier who risked his life to tend to wounded soldiers from both sides of the Civil War in the middle of battle at Fredericksburg. Both sides held their fire as they watched him help every wounded soldier regardless of allegiance.

Richard Rowland Kirkland

Richard Rowland Kirkland (August 1843 – September 20, 1863), known as “The Angel of Marye’s Heights”, was a Confederate soldier during the American Civil War, noted for his bravery and the story of his humanitarian actions during the Battle of Fredericksburg.

Monument in Fredericksburg created by Felix de Weldon

Early life

Kirkland was born in Flat Rock, in Kershaw County. He was the fifth son of Mary and John Kirkland. He received a moderate education during his youth, as was typical during that era.

Early Army service

Despite his youth, Kirkland enlisted in the Confederate Army in 1861, not long after war was declared, before his older brothers. He was first assigned to Company E, 2nd South Carolina Volunteer Infantry,… Continue Reading (4 minute read)