Smith’s Brigade served as a member of Early’s Division in the Second Corps, Army of Northern Virginia.
About the Main Monument
When was it dedicated? Erected circa 1910. The last monument was completed on December 19, 1910.
What is it made out of? Foundation: Concrete. Monument: Polished smooth red Maine granite. Plaque: Bronze.
What size is it? 3.8 feet x 3.4 feet diameter base. Height 5’4″. Tablet measures 4 feet by 3 feet 8 inches and weighs 300 pounds. Overall weight is 3000 pounds.
Who made it? Albert Russell & Sons Co. of Newburyport, Massachusetts. Erected by the United States War Department.
What does it depict? Monolith consisting of polished smooth red Maine granite pedestal with a circular base. On each pedestal is mounted a bronze inscription tablet describing the movements and actions of the unit.
What does it honor? One of 64 Confederate brigade monuments. Designed by E. B. Cope and erected by the U.S. War Department. They indicate the general location of the centers of the various Confederate brigades and artillery battalions during several phases of the battle. Some of the tablets were made from melted down Civil War cannon. The tablets describe the itinerary and movements of each brigade.
How is it inscribed? The monument reads,
C. S. A.
ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA
EWELL’S CORPS EARLY’S DIVISION
SMITH’S BRIGADE
31st 49th 52nd Virginia Infantry
July 3. The Brigade having been detached two days guarding York Pike and other roads against the reported approach of Union Cavalry was ordered to Culp’s Hill to reinforce Johnson’s Division. Arriving early formed in line along this stone wall receiving and returning fire of Infantry and sharpshooters in the woods opposite and being subjected to heavy fire of Artillery. It repulsed the charge of the 2nd Massachusetts and 27th Indiana Regiments against this line and held its ground until the Union forces regained their works on the hill. It then moved to a position further up the creek and during the night marched to Seminary Ridge where it rejoined Early’s Division.
July 4. Occupied Seminary Ridge. After midnight began the march to Hagerstown.
Present about 800 Killed 12 Wounded 113 Missing 17 Total 142
When was this photograph taken? April 14, 2011.
Where is it located? Located Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325. Located on east side of East Confederate Avenue, adjoining Spangler Meadow.
Is this monument located along the NPS Auto Tour route? No.
Has this monument been moved or changed? This monument has not been moved or materially altered.
Monument Details, Alternative Views, and Contextual Views
At Gettysburg
Commander: Brig. Gen. William Smith, nicknamed Extra Billy (September 6, 1797 – May 18, 1887) was a lawyer, congressman, the 30th and 35th Governor of Virginia and one of the oldest Confederate generals in the American Civil War.
After Action Report: After Action Report of Col. John S. Hoffman (will open a pop up window).
Regiments
31st Virginia Infantry
Commander: Col. John S. Hoffman (1821-1877). Lawyer in Clarksburg. Post-war judge in Clarksburg.
Strength: 267; 19 killed, 16 wounded, 24 missing.
Officers Killed at Gettysburg:
- Lt. Jacob Beverage, Company E
Supplemental Materials: None.
49th Virginia Infantry
Commander: Lt. Col. Jonathan C. Gibson (1835-1907). Native of Culpeper County. Wounded in the Seven Days, Second Manassas, Sharpsburg, and Fredericksburg. Lawyer in New York City after the War. Served in Virginia state legislature as well.
Strength: 281; 18 killed, 73 wounded, 9 missing.
Officers Killed at Gettysburg:
- Capt. Bailey S. Jacobs, Company D, aged 27
- Lt. Goodrich Mitchell, Company C
Supplemental Materials: None.
52nd Virginia Infantry
Commander: Lt. Col. James H. Skinner (1826-1898). Augusta County lawyer. Wounded at Second Manassas, Gettysburg, and Spotsylvania.
Strength: 254; 9 killed, 26 wounded, 19 missing.
Supplemental Materials: None.
Ewell’s Corps, ANV at Gettysburg
EWELL’S CORPS – Early’s Division – Gordon’s Brigade – Hays’ Brigade – Hoke’s Brigade – Smith’s Brigade – Jones’ Battalion – Johnson’s Division – Jones’ Brigade – Nicholls’ Brigade – Steuart’s Brigade – Walker’s Brigade – Latimer’s Battalion – Rodes’ Division – Daniel’s Brigade – Doles’ Brigade – Iverson’s Brigade – O’Neal’s Brigade – Ramseur’s Brigade – Carter’s Battalion – Artillery Reserve – Dance’s Battalion – Nelson’s Battalion
Virginia at Gettysburg
INFANTRY – 1st Infantry – 2nd Infantry – 3rd Infantry – 4th Infantry – 5th Infantry – 6th Infantry – 7th Infantry – 8th Infantry – 9th Infantry – 10th Infantry – 11th Infantry – 12th Infantry – 14th Infantry – 16th Infantry – 18th Infantry – 19th Infantry – 21st Infantry – 22nd Battalion – 23rd Infantry – 24th Infantry – 25th Infantry – 27th Infantry – 28th Infantry – 31st Infantry – 33rd Infantry – 37th Infantry – 38th Infantry – 40th Infantry – 41st Infantry – 42nd Infantry – 44th Infantry – 47th Infantry – 48th Infantry – 49th Infantry – 50th Infantry – 52nd Infantry – 53rd Infantry – 55th Infantry – 56th Infantry – 57th Infantry – 61st Infantry – 62nd Infantry :: CAVALRY – 1st Regiment – 2nd Regiment – 3rd Regiment – 4th Regiment – 5th Regiment – 6th Regiment – 7th Regiment – 9th Regiment – 10th Regiment – 11th Regiment – 12th Regiment – 13th Regiment – 14th Regiment – 16th Regiment – 17th Regiment – 18th Regiment – 34th Battalion – 35th Battalion – 36th Battalion :: ARTILLERY – 1st Richmond Howitzers – 2nd Richmond Howitzers – 3rd Richmond Howitzers – Albemarle – Alleghany – Amherst – Ashland – Bedford – Breathed – Charlottesville – Chew – Courtney – Crenshaw – Danville – Fauquier – Fluvanna – Fredericksburg – Hampden – Huger – Jackson – King William – Lee – Letcher – Lewis – McGregor – Moorman – Morris – Norfolk – Orange – Powhatan – Purcell – Richmond Fayette – Rockbridge – 2nd Rockbridge – Salem – Staunton – Virginia Battery (Blount) – Virginia Battery (Parker) – Virginia Battery (Taylor) – Virginia Battery (Brooke) – Virginia Battery (Johnson) – Virginia Battery (McClanahan)
