Each cannon on the field represents a battery of artillery present at Gettysburg. Most (301) are authentic, but some are replicas. I am far, far, far from an expert on Civil War artillery, but this post is intended to serve as an introduction to some of the cannons and artillery pieces on display in the park.

(The best reference for learning about artillery at the Gettysburg National Military Park is Silent Sentinels: A Reference Guide to the Artillery at Gettysburg by George W. Newton. On the web, your “go to blog” for Civil War artillery is Craig Swain’s excellent To the Sound of the Guns)

12 Pounder Napoleon (and their replicas)

There are 133 authentic 12-pounder Napoleons at Gettysburg and 15 so-called “false Napoleons” — replicas of the originals. They are named for French Emperor Napoleon III, and the most popular was the Model 1857. It was the most popular smoothbore cannon used during the Civil War. These guns now have a greenish patina from their bronze weathering. The gun pictured to the left is a piece that represents Bigelow’s famous 9th Massachusetts Battery at their location on the Wheatfield Road. (More Napoleons representing this unit are located at the Trostle Farm). It is one of many of the park’s authentic Napoleons. The replicas are 6-pound guns modified to “look” like 12-pound guns.

(To see a “false” Napoleon, head over to South Hancock Avenue and visit the guns of Ames’ Battery.)

Confederate manufactured Napoleons tend to have a darker color than Union manufactured guns — the bronze used for these guns was of varying quality in the Confederacy. The Confederate manufactured guns also lack the muzzle “swell” present on Union guns (leaving off the swell was a way to save on the amount of bronze necessary to manufacture each gun). The Confederate Napoleons pictured here are on Oak Hill and represent Carter’s Battalion. You can see the darker discoloration to the bronze clearly in the gun furthermost away from the cannon in this image. Most Confederate-made guns used by the Army of Northern Virginia were manufactured at the Richmond Tredgar Iron Works. Many of the Confederate guns on the battlefield, however, were produced at Georgia foundries and were most likely used in the Western Theater.

12 Pounder Howitzer

There are eighteen 12-Pounder Howitzers at Gettysburg, and this particular gun, which was manufactured in 1837, is the oldest artillery piece on the Gettysburg battlefield. It served as part of Manly’s Battery in Cabell’s Battalion, attached to McLaws Division, and is located near the Georgia State Monument on West Confederate Avenue south of the Millerstown Road.

Howitzers were considered the weapon of choice if the opposing forces were concealed behind terrain features or other fortifications, but they were otherwise not favored by the armies in the field.

(I want to thank my friend Craig Swain, who knows way more about Civil War artillery than I ever will, for pointing out I had the wrong kind of cannon pictured as a 12-pounder howitzer. This gun is a 12-pounder howitzer.)

24 Pounder Howitzer

There are two 24-Pounder Howitzers at Gettysburg, representing the four actual guns of this type. All of the 24-Pounder Howitzers were used by the Army of Northern Virginia. Howitzers were designed to fire at a high trajectory. The two pieces at Gettysburg were manufactured in Vienna, Austria. They are located just north of the intersection with the Millerstown Road along West Confederate Avenue.

The howitzer is designed as a short barreled cannon, able to fire large projectiles. As mentioned above, these guns were not favored by either field army and many were eventually melted down to cast other more useful gun-types.

6 Pounder Gun

There is only one 6-Pounder gun on the battlefield in its original condition, and it is located on South Confederate Avenue pointed squarely at the Bushman Farm and Little Round Top. Only one of these guns was present on the battlefield and it was attached to Latham’s North Carolina Battery. Deemed virtually useless by artillerists in both armies, in early 1863 Robert E. Lee sent nearly all of the Army of Northern Virginia’s bronze 6-pounder guns to Tredegar to be melted down and recast as Napoleons.

Most of the 6-Pounder guns in the Gettysburg National Military Park’s collection were eventually melted down to be made into plaques or monuments, or in the alternative, were modified to become “replica” Napoleons. The gun on display with Latham’s Battery was manufactured by the Cyrus Alger Iron Company of Boston.

3-Inch Ordnance Rifle and their replicas

There are 113 three-inch ordnance rifles at Gettysburg, and 18 replicas, making it the second most numerous gun on the battlefield behind the 12-Pounder Napoleons. The only gun known for absolute certain to be used at Gettysburg is the three-inch rifle at the base of General Buford’s statue on US 30. This particular 3 inch ordnance rifle is used to represent Cushing’s Battery at the Angle.

Invented by John Griffen, these guns were known for their exceptional accuracy and good reliability, making them a particular favorite among Civil War artillerists. They were cast from wrought iron, making them typically durable and dependable.

10 Pounder Parrott and their replicas.

There are nineteen authentic 10 Pounder Parrotts (all of Union manufacture) and 36 replicas on the battlefield. An authentic Parrott can be told from a replica by the authentic piece’s muzzle swell. All of the authentic Parrotts were cast by the West Point Foundry in New York. Designed by Robert Parrott, Parrotts had a reputation for being very accurate, but also for occasionally proving unreliable, even sometimes exploding. Henry Hunt, Union Chief of Artillery, disliked Parrotts so much for their unreliable tendencies that he even tried to have all of the Parrotts removed from the Army of the Potomac at one point. This particular example of a 10-Pounder Parrott is located on the crest of Little Round Top and represents Hazlett’s United States Regular Battery.

Parrotts can be most easily identified and distinguished from other similar iron guns on the field by the reinforcing band that is present around the breech of the gun.

20 Pounder Parrott and the Replica.

There are eleven examples of the 20 Pounder Parrotts present at Gettysburg, and 1 replica gun. Parrotts came in sizes ranging from an 8-Pounder up to a 300-Pounder, but only two sizes were used at Gettysburg — the 10 pounder and 20 pounder models. In the actual armies at Gettysburg, there were eighteen of these guns present — 6 in the Army of the Potomac, and 12 in the Army of Northern Virginia. This 20-Pounder Howitzer represents Woolfolk’s Battery of Alexander’s Battalion, and is located near the Longstreet Tower on Seminary Ridge, just south of the Millerstown Road. There are two such guns at this location, and both of these Confederate artillery pieces were manufactured at the Richmond Tredegar Iron Works.

The barrel of a 20-Pounder Parrott typically weighed around 1800 pounds, making it one of the heaviest guns used by Civil War field armies.

12 Pounder Whitworth Rifle

There are 2 authentic Whitworth cannons at Gettysburg, both located on Oak Hill. Designed by Joseph Whitworth, these guns were manufactured in England, and are noted because they were breech loaders, although they could also be muzzle loaded as well. Although they were very accurate, they did not hold up well to hard work in the field because the breech loading mechanism was prone to breaking. At a high enough elevation of the gun, a Whitworth could throw a shell approximately six miles. These guns represent Captain Hurt’s Alabama “Hardaway” Artillery Battery.

14 Pounder James Rifle

There are two 14-Pounder James Rifles on the battlefield, both manufactured in Connecticut and attached to the 2nd Connecticut Battery. They have bronze barrels like the much more popular Napoleons. These pieces are located along South Hancock Avenue near Father Corby’s Monument, flanking the monument to Sterling’s Battery. The only mixed battery at Gettysburg, Sterling’s Battery consisted of four James Rifles and two 12-pounder Howitzers.

Although accurate, James Rifles suffered from a lack of durability due to rifling not lasting very long in a bronze muzzle. They ceased being produced in 1862.

The 5th Corps, Artillery Brigade was also known as Martin’s Brigade. During the battle of Gettysburg, it served as a member of the Fifth Corps, Army of the Potomac.

About the Main Monument

When was it dedicated? Erected circa 1912.

What is it made out of? Foundation: Concrete. Monument: Polished smooth sea-green granite. Plaque: Bronze.

What size is it? 36′ by 36′ base. Weight: 300 Pounds. Height 5’4″. Tablet measures 4 feet by 3 feet 8 inches.

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 sea-green granite pedestal with a square base. Base tapers to a smaller dimension at the tablet. On each pedestal is mounted a bronze inscription tablet describing the movements and actions of the unit.

What does it honor? One of 74 Union brigade monuments erected at Gettysburg by the United States War Department to describe the movements and itinerary of each Union brigade of the Army of the Potomac. The monuments were designed by E.B. Cope. Many of the inscription tablets were made of bronze melted down from Civil War cannons.

How is it inscribed? The monument reads,

ARMY OF THE POTOMAC
FIFTH CORPS
ARTILLERY BRIGADE
Capt. Augustus P. Martin
Mass. 3D Battery C Six 12 Pounders
Lieut. Aaron F Walcott
1st New York Battery C Four 3 Inch Rifles
Capt. Almont Barnes
1st Ohio Battery L Six 12 Pounders
Capt. Frank C. Gibbs
5th U. S. Battery D Six 10 Pounders
Lieut. Charles E. Hazlett Lieut. Benjamin F. Rittenhouse
5th U. S. Battery I Four 3 Inch Rifles
Lieut. Malbone F. Watson Lieut. Charles C. MacConnell

July 2. Arrived on the field on the left between 5 and 6 P. M. Battery D 5th U. S. Battery C 3D Mass. and Battery I 5th U. S. in rear of First Division and Battery L 1 st Ohio and Battery C 1st New York in rear of Second Division. Battery D 5th U. S. was placed on the summit of Little Round Top and Battery C 3D Mass. and Battery I 5th U. S. were engaged further to the right in rear of Third Corps until dark. Battery L 1 st Ohio was placed on the north slope and at the base of Little Round Top.

July 3. Battery D 5th U. S. remained on Little Round Top Battery I 5th U. S. being unserviceable was sent from the field. The position of Battery L 1st Ohio remained nearly the same. At 3 A. M. Battery C 1st New York and Battery C 3D Mass. moved to the extreme left and not engaged.

Casualties Killed 1 Officer 7 Men Wounded 1 Officer 32 Men Captured or Missing 2 Men Total 43

When was this photograph taken? March 23, 2012.

Where is it located? Located Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325. Located on East side of Sykes Avenue, north slope of Little Round Top.

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: Capt. Augustus Pearl Martin (November 23, 1835 – March 13, 1902) was an American politician and soldier from Massachusetts who served as the mayor of Boston, Massachusetts, in 1884. He also was a leading artillery officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War and was the leader of the state’s Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. He also served as a general in the postbellum state militia.

After Action Report: After Action Report of Capt. A.P. Martin (will open a pop up window).

The 3rd Corps, Artillery Brigade was also known as Randolph’s Brigade. During the battle of Gettysburg, it served as a member of the Third Corps, Army of the Potomac. The brigade is honored by two monuments, one at the Peach Orchard and one on Sickles Avenue.

About the Main Monument

When was it dedicated? Circa 1912.

Who made it? Albert Russell & Sons Co. of Newburyport, Massachusetts. Erected by the United States War Department.

What does it depict? Oddly, the Third Corps artillery has two monuments at Gettysburg. The first is in the Division/Corps style, a rectangular upright rough hewn monument with bronze plaque affixed to the front. The second is the much more standard bronze marker with a square stone base. Marks the position and action of the brigade. Rough-hewn monolith, 4’2″x2′, 7′ high. Bronze inscription tablet, 3’8″x3’6 3/4″ mounted on polished face of monolith. Bronze corps insignia attached above tablet.

How is it inscribed? The monument reads,

ARMY OF THE POTOMAC
THIRD CORPS
ARTILLERY BRIGADE
Capt. George E. Randolph Capt. A. Judson Clark

Battery B, 1st New Jersey Six 10 Pounders Capt. A. Judson Clark
Lieut. Robert Sims
Battery D, 1st New York Six 12 Pounders Capt. George B. Winslow
4th New York Battery Six 10 Pounders Capt. James E. Smith
Battery E, 1st Rhode Island Six 12 Pounders Lieut. John K. Bucklyn
Lieut. Benjamin Freeborn
Battery K, 4th United States Six 12 Pounders Lieut. Francis W. Seeley
Lieut. Robert James

July 2. Upon the advance of the 3D Corps between 2 and 3 P. M. the 4th N. Y. Battery was posted near Devil’s Den, Battery D, 1st N. Y. in the Wheatfield. Battery B, 1st N. J. near the Peach Orchard north of Wheatfield Road; Battery E, 1st R. I. on same road near the right of First Division and Battery K, 4th U. S. near the left of Second Division.

About 3.30 P M. Lt. Colonel F. McGilvery brought from the Artillery Reserve the 9th Mass. Battery, which was posted on the Wheatfield Road east of the Peach Orchard; 5th Mass. Battery (1Oth N. Y. Battery attached) within a 100 yards of 9th Mass. Battery and 15th N. Y. Battery to the east side of the Peach Orchard.

Later and during the battle, there was brought up Penna. Battery C & F, which took position at the salient in the Peach Orchard, and Battery F & K, 3D U. S. posted near the Roger House. Battery I, 5th U. S. was brought from 5th Corps and relieved Battery G, 1st New York.

Casualties Killed 8 Men Wounded 3 Officers 78 Men Captured or Missing 17 Men Total 10

When was this photograph taken? May 30, 2009.

Where is it located? Located Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325. Located on Southeast corner of Emmitsburg and Wheatfield Roads, in Peach Orchard.

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: Capt. George E. Randolph.

After Action Report: After Action Report of Capt. George E. Randolph (will open a pop up window).

Nelson’s Battalion served as a member of the Artillery Reserve 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 ARTILLERY RESERVE
NELSON’S BATTALION
Kirkpatrick’s Massie’s and Milledge’s Batteries

One 10 Pounder Parrott Four 3 Inch Rifles Six Napoleons

July 1 The Battalion arrived on the field too late to participate in the engagement of the day. Was ordered to report to the Chief of Artillery Rodes’ Division.

July 2. Took position on Seminary Ridge 1/4 mile north of Chambersburg Pike. About 11 A. M. moved to the rear of Pennsylvania College and remained until night when the Battalion returned to the position of the morning.

July 3. Ordered to the extreme left of the Confederate line to find a position to withdraw the fire from the Confederate infantry. Opened about 12 M. firing 20 to 25 rounds. At midnight moved with Johnson’s Division to Seminary Ridge.

July 4. Was ordered to take position on the ridge west of town. At night took up the line of march to Hagerstown.

Ammunition expended 48 rounds. Casualties not reported.

When was this photograph taken? December 8, 2011.

Where is it located? Located Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325. Benner’s Hill, north of the Hanover Road.

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: Lieutenant Colonel William Nelson (December 14, 1808-April 17, 1892). Member of state legislature from Hanover County.

After Action Report: After Action Report of Lieut. Col. William Nelson (will open a pop up window).

The 12th Corps, Artillery Brigade was also known as Muhlenberg’s Brigade. During the battle of Gettysburg, it served as a member of the Twelfth Corps, Army of the Potomac.

About the Main Monument

When was it dedicated? Erected circa 1912.

What is it made out of? Foundation: Concrete. Monument: Polished smooth sea-green granite. Plaque: Bronze.

What size is it? 36′ by 36′ base. Weight: 300 Pounds. Height 5’4″. Tablet measures 4 feet by 3 feet 8 inches.

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 sea-green granite pedestal with a square base. Base tapers to a smaller dimension at the tablet. On each pedestal is mounted a bronze inscription tablet describing the movements and actions of the unit.

What does it honor? One of 74 Union brigade monuments erected at Gettysburg by the United States War Department to describe the movements and itinerary of each Union brigade of the Army of the Potomac. The monuments were designed by E.B. Cope. Many of the inscription tablets were made of bronze melted down from Civil War cannons.

How is it inscribed? The monument reads,

ARMY OF THE POTOMAC
TWELFTH CORPS
ARTILLERY BRIGADE
Lieut. Edward D. Muhlenberg
1st New York Battery M Four 10 Pounders Lieut. Charles E. Winegar

Penna. Battery E Six 10 Pounders Lieut. Charles A. Atwell
4th U. S. Battery F Six 10 Pounders Lieut. Sylvanus T Rugg
5th U. S. Battery K Four 10 Pounders Lieut. David H. Kinzie

July 1. About noon two batteries moved from Two Taverns with First Division toward the Hanover Road to within a mile and a half of Gettysburg. The other two batteries moved with Second Division and encamped for the night the same distance from town.

July 2. In the afternoon three guns of Battery E Penna. and two of Battery K 5th U. S. were placed on the summit of Culp’s Hill and were engaged at once with the Confederate artillery. At night Battery E Penna. and Battery M 1st New York were placed on Powers’s and McAllister’s Hills. Battery F 4th U. S. and Battery K 5th U. S. at the base of Powers’s Hill.

July 3. Battery F 4th U. S. and Battery K 5th U. S. in rear of the centre of the Corps. Battery E Penna. and Battery A Maryland six 3 inch rifles from the Reserve Artillery on Powers’s Hill all commanding the valley of Rock Creek. At daylight the artillery (26) guns opened on the position occupied by Major Gen. Johnson’s Division and fired for about 15 minutes then ceased to allow the infantry to advance. Began firing again at 5.30 and continued at intervals until 10.30 A. M. when the Confederates were forced from their position along the entire line.

Casualties 9 men wounded 3 mortally

When was this photograph taken? May 30, 2009.

Where is it located? Located Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325. Located south side of Hunt Avenue at Baltimore Pike.

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.

At Gettysburg

Commander: Lieut. Edward Duchman Muhlenberg (May 15, 1831 – March 10, 1883) was an American civil engineer in the railroad industry and an officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He commanded an artillery brigade at the Battle of Gettysburg while only a lieutenant. He played an important role in the defense of Culp’s Hill against attacking Confederates.

After Action Report: After Action Report of Lieut. Edward D. Muhlenberg (will open a pop up window).

Cabell’s Battalion served as a member of McLaws’ Division in the First 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
LONGSTREET’S CORPS McLAWS’ DIVISION
CABELL’S BATTALION
Fraser’s McCarthy’s Carlton’s Manly’s Batteries
FourNapoleons Four 10 Pounder Parrotts Six 3 lnch Rifles
Two 12 Pounder Howitzers

July 2-3. Took an active part in the battle.

July 4. Remained in position near here and withdrew from the field after night.

Ammunition expended About 3300 rounds.

Losses Killed 12 Wounded 30 Missing 4 Horses killed or disabled 80.

When was this photograph taken? May 29, 2009.

Where is it located? Located Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325. Located on East side of West Confederate Avenue, South of Millerstown Road.

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: Lieut. Col. William Lewis Cabell (1827-1911).

After Action Report: After Action Report of Col. H. C. Cabell (will open a pop up window).

Garnett’s Battalion served as a member of Heth’s Division in the Third 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.
HILL’S CORPS HETH’S DIVISION
GARNETT’S BATTALION
Granby’s Moore’s Lewis’ and Maurin’s Batteries
Four Napoleons Two 10 Pounder Parrotts
Seven 3 Inch Rifles Two 12 Pounder Howitzers

July 1 2 3 4. The Parrotts and Rifles took part in the battle in a different position on each of the three days their most active service being on the second day in this position. The Napoleons and Howitzers were in reserve and not actively engaged at any time. All withdrew from the field on the fourth day but not at the same hour nor by the same route.

Losses Wounded 5 Missing 17 Total 22

Ammunition expended 1000 rounds. Horses killed or disabled 13.

When was this photograph taken? December 17, 2009.

Where is it located? Located Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325. Located on East side of West Confederate Avenue, North of McMillan House, at Spangler woods.

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: Lieut. Col. John Jameson Garnett (1839-1902).

After Action Report: After Action Report of Lieut. Col. John J. Garnett (will open a pop up window).

Dance’s Battalion served as a member of the Artillery Reserve 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 ARTILLERY RESERVE
DANCE’S BATTALION
FIRST VIRGINIA ARTILLERY
Cunningham’s Smith’s Watson’s Griffin’s and Graham’s Batteries
Four 20 Pounder Parrotts Four 10 Pounder Parrotts
Ten 3 Inch Rifles Two Napoleons

July 1. The Battalion reached the field in evening too late to take part in the battle.

July 2 & 3. The four first named batteries occupied positions at various points on this ridge. Graham’s Battery of 20 Pounder Parrotts served east of Rock Creek. All were actively engaged.

July 4. At nightfall began the march to Hagerstown.

Losses Killed 3 Wounded 19

Ammunition expended 1888 rounds.

When was this photograph taken? December 17, 2009.

Where is it located? Located Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325. Located on West side of Confederate Avenue, North of Fairfield Road on Seminary grounds.

Is this monument located along the NPS Auto Tour route? No.

Has this monument been moved or changed? This monument has not been changed or materially altered.

At Gettysburg

Commander: Captain Willis Jefferson Dance (June 21, 1821-February 13, 1887) served as a Confederate artillerist in the American Civil War.

After Action Report: After Action Report of Capt. Willis J. Dance (will open a pop up window).

The 1st Corps, Artillery Brigade was also known as Wainwright’s Brigade. During the battle of Gettysburg, it served as a member of Wainwright’s Brigade of the First Corps, Army of the Potomac.

About the Main Monument

When was it dedicated? Completed between 1911 and 1912.

What is it made out of? Foundation: Concrete. Monument: Sea Green Granite. Plaque: Bronze.

What size is it? Each brigade monument stands 5’4″ high and weigh 3,500 pounds.

Who made it? Albert Russell & Sons Co. of Newburyport, Massachusetts

What does it depict? Pedestals: Monolith consisting of polished smooth sea-green granite pedestal with a square 36′ by 36′ base. Base tapers to a smaller dimension at the tablet. On each pedestal is mounted a bronze inscription tablet measuring 4’0′ x 3’8” with rounded corners weighing 300 pounds.

What does it honor? One of 74 brigade monuments erected at Gettysburg by the United States War Department to describe the movements and itinerary of each Union brigade of the Army of the Potomac. Monuments were designed by E.B. Cope.

How is it inscribed? Reads,

: ARMY OF THE POTOMAC
FIRST CORPS
ARTILLERY BRIGADE
Col. Charles S. Wainwright
Maine 2D Battery B Six 3 Inch Rifles
Capt. James A. Hall
Maine 5th Battery E Six 12 Pounders
Capt. Greenleaf T. Stevens Lieut. Edward N. Whittier
1st New York Battery L Four 3 Inch Rifles
Capt. Gilbert Reynolds Lieut. George Breck
1st Penna. Battery B Four 3 Inch Rifles
Capt. James H. Cooper
4th U. S. Battery B Four 12 Pounders
Lieut. James Stewart

July 1. Arrived between 10 and 11 A. M. Battery B 2D Maine in advance relieved Battery A 2D U. S. on Chambersburg Pike and became hotly engaged with artillery in front and infantry on right but was compelled to retire from the ridge. About 2 P. M. the Confederates having opened with artillery from Oak Hill on right the batteries in advance were compelled to withdraw and take position on ridge in rear and on both sides of Reynolds Woods but again being flanked and enfiladed by Confederate infantry and artillery the Union forces were withdrawn to Seminary Ridge and at 4 P. M. retired through the town to Cemetery Hill. On reaching Cemetery Hill the artillery was immediately put into position for defence.

July 2. Not engaged until 4 P. M. when the Confederates opened on the position with four 20 Pounders and six 10 Pounder Perrotts but were compelled to withdraw. Battery B 1st Penna. relieved by Batteries F and C 1st Penna. At dusk the position on East Cemetery Hill was attacked by Brig. Gen. Hays’s and Brig. Gen. Hoke’s Brigades.They fought through Battery I 1st New York into Batteries F and C 1st Penna. spiking one gun. The cannoniers stood to their guns and with handspikes rammers and stones and the aid of infantry that was hurried to the defence the attack was repulsed between 9 and 10 P. M.

July 3. No serious engagement.

Casualties Killed 9 Men Wounded 6 Officers 80 Men Captured or Missing 11 Men Total 106

When was this photograph taken? December 11, 2011.

Where is it located? Located Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325

Is this monument located along the NPS Auto Tour route? Yes, included on the extended auto tour that includes Culp’s Hill.

Has this monument been moved or changed? Monument has not been moved or materially altered.

Monument Details, Alternative Views, and Contextual Views

At Gettysburg

Commander: Charles Shiels Wainwright (December 31, 1826 – September 13, 1907) was a produce farmer in the state of New York and an artillery officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He played an important role in the defense of Cemetery Hill during the July 1863 Battle of Gettysburg, where his artillery helped repel a Confederate attack. His extensive diary kept during the war is considered to be among the finest such documents from the Civil War period.

After Action Report: After Action Report of Col. Charles S. Wainwright (will open a pop up window).

Beckham’s Battalion served as a member of Stuart’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
STUART’S CAVALRY DIVISION
HORSE ARTILLERY
Major R. F Beckham Commanding
Breathed’s Virginia Battery
Chew’s Virginia Battery
Griffin’s Maryland Battery
Hart’s South Carolina
McGregor’s Virginia Battery
Moorman’s Virginia Battery

July 3. These batteries were not permanently attached to the cavalry brigades but were sent to them when needed Breathed’s Battery with Brig. General W. H. F Lee’s Brigade Chew’s Battery Brig. General W. E. Jones’ Brigade Griffin’s Battery with the Second Army Corps Hart’s Battery attached to the Washington Artillery with the Army Trains McGregor’s Battery with Brig. Gen. Wade Hampton’s Brigade Moorman’s Battery no report.

Casualties not reported.

When was this photograph taken? December 15, 2010.

Where is it located? Located Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325. East Cavalry Field, Rummel Woods.

Is this monument located along the NPS Auto Tour route? No.

Has this monument been moved or changed? This monument has not been changed or materially altered.

Monument Details, Alternative Views, and Contextual Views