Draw the Sword

Semmes’ Brigade

Location: West Confederate Avenue, south of Millerstown Road

Order of Battle: Semmes’ Brigade, McLaws’ Division, Longstreet’s Corps

Commander: Brig. Gen. Paul Jones Semmes (June 4, 1815 – July 10, 1863) was a banker, businessman, and a Confederate general in the American Civil War, mortally wounded at the Battle of Gettysburg.

Monument Specifications: Polished granite circular base with bronze plaque affixed to front.

Dedication Date: ca. 1910-1911.

Main Inscription: Reads,

C. S. A.
ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA
LONGSTREET’S CORPS McLAWS’ DIVISION
SEMMES’ BRIGADE
10th 50th 51st 53rd Georgia Infantry

July 2. Arrived about 3.30 P. M. and formed line 50 yards west of this. Advanced about 5 P. M. in support of Kershaw and Anderson and took a prominent part in the severe and protracted conflict on Rose Hill and in the ravine and forest east of there and in the vicinity of the Loop. Participated also in the general advance late in the evening by which the Union forces were forced out of the Wheatfield and across Plum Run Valley. Brig Gen. Paul J. Semmes fell mortally wounded in the ravine near the Loop.

July 3. During the afternoon Anderson’s Brigade being withdrawn for duty elsewhere the Brigade was left in the occupancy of the woodland south of the Wheatfield. At 1 P. M. under orders it resumed its original position near here.

July 4. About midnight began the march to Hagerstown Md.

Present about 1200 Losses 430

Other Monuments and Memorials: Advanced position marker, located near the Wheatfield on Brooke Avenue, erected 1907. It reads as follows,

ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA
LONGSTREET’S CORPS McLAWS’ DIVISION
SEMMES’ BRIGADE
10th 50th 51st 53rd Georgia Infantry

July 2. Arrived on the field about 3.30 P. M. Advanced about 5 o’clock in support of Kershaw’s and Anderson’s Brigades and took an active part in the conflict on Rose Hill and in the ravine and forest east of there in the vicinity of the Loop. Participated in the general advance late in the evening by which the Union forces were forced out of the Wheatfield and across Plum Run Valley. Brig. Gen. J. Semmes fell mortally wounded in the ravine near the Loop.