Jackson's Corps leaves Winchester. A major snowfall delays military operations for a week. Union engineers begin building three pontoon bridges. General Barksdale's Mississippians along the riverbank delay the crossing. Union bombardment damages the city.
Civilians seek refuge west of town.
Late in the afternoon, Union soldiers row across the river and establish a beachhead. After a bloody fight in the streets of Fredericksburg, Barksdale withdraws. Engineers then finish building the bridges. Army of the Potomac crosses the river and the soldiers vandalize the city. Burnside decides to make a two-prong attack the next day.