Draw the Sword

Barksdale’s Brigade

Location: West Confederate Avenue, Pitzer Woods

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

Commander: Brig. Gen. William Barksdale (August 21, 1821 – July 3, 1863) was a lawyer, newspaper editor, U.S. Congressman, and a Confederate general in the American Civil War. A staunch secessionist, he was mortally wounded during the Battle of Gettysburg while leading his brigade’s attack on Union forces not far from Cemetery Ridge.

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
BARKSDALE’S BRIGADE
13th 17th 18th 21st Mississippi Infantry

July 2. Arrived about 3 P. M. and formed line here. Advanced at 5 P. M. and took part in the assault on the Peach Orchard and adjacent positions vigorously pursuing the Union forces as they retired. The 21st Regiment pushed on past the Trostle House and captured but were unable to bring off 9th Mass. Battery and I Battery 5th U. States. The other Regiments inclining more to the left pressed forward to Plum Run where they encountered fresh troops and a fierce conflict ensued in which Brig. Gen. Wm. Barksdale fell mortally wounded.

July 3. Supported artIllery on Peach Orchard Ridge. Withdrew from the front late in the afternoon.

July 4. In position near here all day. About midnight began the march to Hagerstown.

Present 1598 Killed 105 Wounded 550 Missing 92 Total 747

Other Monuments and Memorials: Iron position tablet, Emmitsburg Road, opposite the Peach Orchard. Erected in 1907. Text reads as follows,

ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA
LONGSTREET’S CORPS McLAWS’ DIVISION
BARKSDALE’S BRIGADE
13th 17th 18th 21st Mississippi Infantry

July 2. Arrived about 3 P. M. and formed in line. Advanced at 5 o’clock and took part in the assault on the Peach Orchard and adjacent position pursuing the Union forces as they retired. The 21st Regiment pushed beyond the Trostle House and captured but were unable to bring off Bigelow’s and Watson’s Batteries. The other Regiments inclining to the left pressed forward to Plum Run where they encountered Union troops and a fierce conflict ensued in which Brig. Gen. Wm. Barksdale fell mortally wounded.