McLaws’ Division served as a member of Longstreet’s Corps in the Army of Northern Virginia.
About the Main Monument
When was it dedicated? Erected circa 1907.
What is it made out of? Foundation: Concrete. Monument: Rough hewn granite. Plaque: Bronze.
What size is it? Dimensions: 4.2 feet x 2.0 feet, with an overall height of 7.0 feet.
Who made it? Designed by E.B. Cope and erected by the U.S. War Department.
What does it depict? Monument is a rock-faced granite monolith with polished face on which is affixed a bronze narrative tablet.
What does it honor? One of ten Confederate division monuments that describe the movements and itenirary of each division of the Army of Northern Virginia. The locations of the markers indicate the general location of the battle lines of the various Confederate divisions during the battle. Marks the command position of McLaw’s Division during Battle of Gettysburg, July 1-3, 1863.
How is it inscribed? The monument reads,
ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA
FIRST ARMY CORPS
McLAWS’ DIVISION
Maj. Gen. Lafayette McLaws
Kershaw’s Brigade Brig. Gen. J. B. Kershaw
Barksdale’s Brigade Brig. Gen. William Barksdale
Col. B. G. Humphreys
Semmes’ Brigade Brig. Gen. R J. Semmes
Col. George Bryan
Wofford’s Brigade Brig Gen. W. T Wofford
Artillery Battalion
Four Batteries Col. H. C. Cabell
July 1. The Division reached Marsh Creek four miles from Gettysburg after dark.
July 2. The Division was placed in position facing the Union line on the Emmitsburg Road. About 4 P. M. the batteries opened on the position the Division pressing to the front and the Union troops retiring to the hill in rear. The battle continued until nearly night when a strong Union force met the supporting Division which was cooperating on the left and drove one brigade back and checked the support of the other brigade exposing the left. It was thought prudent not to push further until other troops of the Corps came up. The Division was withdrawn to the first position of Union troops resting at the Peach Orchard the conflict to be renewed in the morning when other orders were received.
July 3. With the exception of severe skirmishing the Division was not engaged and after night disposition were made to withdraw.
July 4. The Division took up the line of march during the night.
Casualties Killed 313 Wounded 1538 Captured or Missing 327 Total 2178
When was this photograph taken? June 15, 2012.
Where is it located? Located Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325. Located on West side of West Confederate Avenue, South of Millerstown Road near the observation tower.
Is this monument located along the NPS Auto Tour route? Yes.
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: Maj. Gen. Lafayette McLaws (January 15, 1821 – July 24, 1897) was a United States Army officer and a Confederate general in the American Civil War. More about this officer.
Longstreet’s Corps, ANV at Gettysburg
LONGSTREET’S CORPS – Hood’s Division – Anderson’s Brigade – Benning’s Brigade – Law’s Brigade – Robertson’s Brigade – Henry’s Battalion – McLaws’ Division – Barksdale’s Brigade – Kershaw’s Brigade – Semmes’ Brigade – Wofford’s Brigade – Cabell’s Battalion – Pickett’s Division – Armistead’s Brigade – Garnett’s Brigade – Kemper’s Brigade – Dearing’s Battalion – Artillery Reserve – Alexander’s Battalion – Eshelman’s Battalion
