Parker's Crossroads Baraque de Fraiture Monument - Image 1
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Parker's Crossroads Baraque de Fraiture Monument

4.5
·20 reviews·Vielsalm, Belgium

A poignant monument at Baraque de Fraiture commemorating Major Parker's stand during the Battle of the Bulge, featuring an M2A1 Howitzer.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daytime

Best for viewing the monument

CrowdLow
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Parker's Crossroads Baraque de Fraiture Monument - Image 1

Parker's Crossroads Baraque de Fraiture Monument

Best Time

Daytime

Best for viewing the monument

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A poignant monument at Baraque de Fraiture commemorating Major Parker's stand during the Battle of the Bulge, featuring an M2A1 Howitzer.

4.5
(20 reviews)

"Nice memorial with plaques and info. Easy to walk up from free parking nearby."

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TIP

📸 Photo Opportunity

Capture the imposing Howitzer and the historical context of this significant site. :camerawithflash:

🚶‍♂️ Easy Walk-up

The monument is easily accessible from the free parking area, making it a quick and meaningful stop. :athletic_shoe:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The M2A1 Howitzer

The M2A1 Howitzer

At the intersection

An impressive M2A1 Howitzer stands as a powerful symbol of the battle fought here.

Commemorative Plaques

Commemorative Plaques

Around the monument

Detailed plaques explain the courageous actions of Major Parker and his men during the Battle of the Bulge.

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Understand the History

This monument commemorates a pivotal moment in the Battle of the Bulge. Learn about Major Arthur C. Parker's stand to grasp the significance of this site.

Easy Access & Parking

The monument is conveniently located at an intersection with free parking nearby, making it a straightforward stop for visitors.

Best Times

When
Daytime
Why
Best for viewing the monument
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

📸 Photo Opportunity

Capture the imposing Howitzer and the historical context of this significant site. :camerawithflash:

🚶‍♂️ Easy Walk-up

The monument is easily accessible from the free parking area, making it a quick and meaningful stop. :athletic_shoe:

📚 Learn the Story

Read the plaques to understand the bravery of Major Parker and his men during the Battle of the Bulge. :books:

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Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Photo Opportunity

Capture the imposing Howitzer and the historical context of this significant site. :camerawithflash:

🚶‍♂️ Easy Walk-up

The monument is easily accessible from the free parking area, making it a quick and meaningful stop. :athletic_shoe:

📚 Learn the Story

Read the plaques to understand the bravery of Major Parker and his men during the Battle of the Bulge. :books:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(20 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the monument to be a well-maintained and historically significant site, particularly for its commemoration of a crucial Battle of the Bulge stand. The presence of the M2A1 Howitzer and informative plaques are highlighted as key features, with easy access from free parking making it a convenient stop.

"Nice memorial with plaques and info. Easy to walk up from free parking nearby."

Rose Thomas

"An M2A1 Howitzer is placed here at the intersection of Baraque de Fraiture as a monument. The intersection is named after Major Arthur C. Parker. Major Parker from the 106th Infantry Division managed to hold the crossroad from 19/23 December, from overwhelming odds, with only remnants of the 589e Field Artillery Battalion and two regiments of the 422nd and 423rd. The Second ss Panzer Division captured the crossroad on 23 December, 1944. But behind schedule and with many losses, thanks to Major Parker and his men."

Richard Van santen

"Where an officer of the American army was asked to place the field guns to slow the German tanks"

Ian Mayfield

What People Like

Historical significance
M2A1 Howitzer
Informative plaques

What People Dislike

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The monument is located at the intersection of Baraque de Fraiture. It's easily accessible by car, with free parking available nearby.

Information on public transport options is limited, but driving is the most common and convenient way to reach this location.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no tickets required to visit the monument. It is an outdoor memorial site that is freely accessible.

As an outdoor memorial, the monument is accessible at any time. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best experience.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can see an M2A1 Howitzer and commemorative plaques detailing the historical events of the Battle of the Bulge, specifically Major Arthur C. Parker's stand.

A visit to the monument is typically short, around 15-30 minutes, allowing time to read the plaques and appreciate the site.

Yes, children can visit. The Howitzer is visually interesting, and the historical context can be explained to them.

📸 📸 Photography

The area around the M2A1 Howitzer offers great photographic opportunities. Capturing the monument with the surrounding landscape can also be effective.

There are no specific restrictions mentioned for photography at this outdoor memorial.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

History Enthusiasts

For those passionate about World War II, this monument is a must-visit. It directly commemorates a significant defensive stand during the Battle of the Bulge. Take time to read the detailed plaques to fully appreciate the strategic importance of this crossroads and the bravery of Major Parker's outnumbered forces. The presence of the M2A1 Howitzer adds a powerful visual element to the historical narrative.

Road Trippers

If you're on a road trip through the Ardennes region, Parker's Crossroads Baraque de Fraiture Monument is an excellent and easy stop. It requires minimal time commitment, with free parking readily available. It offers a poignant historical pause amidst your journey, allowing for reflection on a key moment in European history.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Battle of the Bulge at Baraque de Fraiture

Parker's Crossroads, located at Baraque de Fraiture, was a critical intersection during the Battle of the Bulge. The monument here honors the tenacious defense led by Major Arthur C. Parker of the 106th Infantry Division. From December 19th to 23rd, 1944, Parker and a small contingent of American soldiers, including remnants of the 589th Field Artillery Battalion and soldiers from the 422nd and 423rd regiments, held this vital crossroads against overwhelming odds. Their stand significantly delayed the advance of the German 2nd SS Panzer Division, a crucial strategic objective for the Allied forces.

The monument features an M2A1 Howitzer, a powerful symbol of the artillery used during the conflict. Surrounding the Howitzer are commemorative plaques that detail the heroic actions of Major Parker and his men. These plaques provide visitors with a clear understanding of the historical significance of the site and the sacrifices made. The intersection itself is named after Major Parker, a lasting tribute to his leadership and the bravery of his troops who fought valiantly to slow the German offensive, even though the crossroads were eventually captured by the Germans on December 23rd, 1944, albeit behind schedule and with heavy losses.

Visiting Parker's Crossroads offers a tangible connection to a pivotal moment in World War II history. It's a place for reflection on the courage and resilience displayed during one of the war's most intense battles. The accessibility of the site, with its free parking and easy walk-up access, makes it a meaningful stop for anyone interested in military history or the events of the Battle of the Bulge.

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