Confederate Artillery Batteries
“Watson’s Battery”
Two markers to the 2nd Richmond Howitzers are west of Gettysburg across the street from each other on West Confederate Avenue. (Tour map: West Confederate Avenue – Part 1)
The battery was commanded at the Battle of Gettysburg by Captain David Watson.
Text from the marker on the west side of the Avenue:
Army of Northern Virginia
Ewell’s Corps Artillery Reserve
Dance’s Battalion Watson’s Battery
Second Richmond Howitzers
Four 10 Pounder Parrotts
July 1. Reached the field in evening too late to take part in the battle.
July 2. Early in the morning took position on this ridge just north of Western Maryland R. R. cut. Opened fire about 4 P. M. upon the batteries on Cemetery Hill and continued firing until dark.
July 3. Moved to this position. Took part in the great cannonade preceding Longstreet’s final assault and kept firing for some time afterwards. Withdrew at night to camp in rear.
July 4. After nightfall began the march to Hagerstown.
Ammunition expended 661 rounds. Losses not reported in detail.
Location of the marker on the west side of the Avenue
The marker is on the west side of Southwest Confederate Avenue. It is about 1,000 feet south of Fairfield Road/West Middle Street (Pennsylvania Toute 116) and about 100 feet south of the former Pennsylvania National Guard Armory. It is also about 150 feet west of the current avenue, at the edge of the trees and behind a stone wall.
Text from the marker on the east side of the Avenue:
Army of Northern Virginia
Ewell’s Corps Artillery Reserve
Dance’s Battalion Watson’s Battery
Second Richmond Howitzers
Four 10 Pounder Parrotts
July 3. Moved to this position. Took part in the cannonade preceding Longstreet’s final assault and continued firing for some time afterwards. Moved at night to rear of this line.
July 4. In the night withdrew and began the march to Hagerstown.
Ammunition expended 661 rounds. Losses not reported in detail.