Draw the Sword

Davis’ Brigade

Location: North Reynolds Avenue, at Railroad Cut

Order of Battle: Davis’ Brigade, Heth’s Division, Hill’s Corps

Commander: Brig. Gen. Joseph Robert Davis (January 12, 1825 – September 15, 1896) was a Confederate general during the American Civil War and nephew of Confederate President Jefferson Davis. His troops played an important role in 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
HILL’S CORPS HETH’S DIVISION
DAVIS’ BRIGADE
2nd, 11th, 42nd Mississippi 55th North Carolina Infantry

July 1. Formed west of Herr’s Tavern crossed Willoughby Run about 10 A. M. Advanced in line and soon encountered artillery supported by 2nd Brigade 1st Division First Corps. The engagement was stubborn. The advance was made to the railroad cut after a short interval the attack was renewed at the cut and the Brigade was forced back losing many killed and wounded. A large force advancing on the right and rear opening a heavy flank fire the order was given to retire. About 3 P. M. the Brigade again moved forward with the Division and reached the suburbs of the town. The Brigade in the advance in the morning reached the railroad cut.

July 2. Not engaged.

July 3. Formed part of the column of Longstreet’s assault.

July 4. The Brigade took up the line of march during the night to Hagerstown.

Other Monuments and Memorials: Second War Department tablet is located on West Confederate Avenue, south of McMillan Woods. The text is as follows,

C. S. A.
ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA
HILL’S CORPS HETH’S DIVISION
DAVIS’ BRIGADE
55th North Carolina 2nd 11th 42nd Mississippi Infantry

July 1. Formed line west of Herr’s Tavern and crossing the Run at 10 A. M. dislodged 2nd Maine Battery and the 2nd Brigade 1st Division First Corps. Threatened on the right it wheeled and occupied railroad cut too deep and steep for defense whereby it lost many prisoners and a stand of colors. Joined later by the 11th Regiment previously on duty guarding trains the Brigade fought until the day’s contest ended.

July 2. Lay all day west of the Run. At evening took position near here.

July 3. In Longstreet’s assault the Brigade formed the left center of Pettigrew’s Division and advanced to the stone wall south of Bryan Barn where with regiments shrunken to companies and field officers all disabled further effort was useless.

July 4. After night withdrew and began the march to Hagerstown.

Present on the first day about 2000 Killed 180 Wounded 717 Missing about 500 Total 1397

Supplemental Materials: After Action Report of Brig. Gen. Joseph R. Davis (will open a pop up window).