Draw the Sword

Robertson’s Brigade (The Texas Brigade)

Location: South Confederate Avenue on Warfield Ridge

Order of Battle: Robertson’s Brigade, Hood’s Division, Longstreet’s Corps

Commander: Brig. Gen. Jerome Bonaparte Robertson (March 14, 1815 – January 7, 1890) was a doctor, Indian fighter, Texas politician, and a general in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. He was noted for his service in the famed Texas Brigade in the Army of Northern Virginia.

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 HOOD’S DIVISION
ROBERTSON’S BRIGADE
1st 4th 5th Texas and 3D Arkansas Infantry

July 2. Arrived after a march of several miles and formed line 50 yards west of this at 4 P. M. Advanced against the Union positions. The 4th and 5th Texas joined in the attack on Little Round Top which continued until dark. The 1st and 3D Arkansas attacked and assisted in taking Devil’s Den and Rocky Ridge with a number of prisoners and 3 guns of the 4th New York Battery.

July 3. At 2 A. M. the 1st Texas and 3D Arkansas were moved to the right and joined the 4th and 5th Texas on the northwest spur of Big Round Top. Three regiments occupied the breastworks there all day skirmishing hotly with Union sharpshooters. Early in the day the 1st Texas was sent to confront the Union Cavalry threatening the right flank. After night the Brigade took position near here.

July 5. About 5 A. M. began the march to Hagerstown Md.

Present about 1100 Losses about 540

Other Monuments and Memorials: There are two. Iron advanced position tablet located on Sickles Avenue, east of Devil’s Den. Erected 1907. The text reads as follows,

ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA
LONGSTREET’S CORPS HOOD’S DIVISION
ROBERTSON’S BRIGADE
1st 4th 5th Texas and 3D Arkansas

July 2. Arrived on the field about 4 P. M. Advanced against the Union positions. The 4th and 5th Texas joined in the attack on Little Round Top which continued until dark. The 1st Texas and 3D Arkansas attacked and assisted in taking the Devil’s Den and Rocky Ridge with a number of prisoners and 3 guns of Smith’s 4th New York Battery.

Brigade Monument is located on South Confederate Avenue. This was the first non-regimental Confederate monument at Gettysburg, placed here in 1913 (thus predating even the Virginia state monument) through the effort of a group of private citizens. In addition to honoring the 1st, 4th, and 5th Texas Regiments, this monument also honors the 3rd Arkansas Regiment. Monument is a granite shaft with apexed-top; and polished east face with inscriptions. This Confederate marker was erected by private contributions from persons in Texas, represented by Mrs. Mable M. Bates. It marks the area occupied by the Texas brigade at Gettysburg prior to its attack on the Round Tops on July 2, 1863. It was dedicated on Sept. 17, 1913. Inscription reads,

C.S.A./HOOD’S TEXAS BRIGADE/BRIG.-GENERAL/J. B. ROBERTSON/COMMANDING/1., 4., 5., TEXAS AND 3, ARKANSAS/INFANTRY REGIMENTS/JULY 2 AND 3, 1863.

Supplemental Materials: After Action Report of Brig. Gen. J. B. Robertson (will open a pop up window).