Marker for the Ashland (Virginia) Artillery at Gettysburg

“Woolfolk’s Battery”

The Ashland Artillery marker is southwest of Gettysburg on West Confederate Avenue. (Tour map: West Confederate Avenue – Pt. 5)

The battery was commanded at the Battle of Gettysburg by Captain Pichegru Woolfolk, Jr.

Captain Woolfolk was quarreling with Captain Moody of the Madison (Louisiana) Light Artillery over an incident where one battery had improperly taken the place of the other in the line of march. The two men were to have fought a duel on the morning of July 2nd with rifles at ten paces, but it had to be postponed for the Battle of Gettysburg. Woolfolk was wounded during the battle on July 2, and the duel was never fought.

Text from the marker:

Army of Northern Virginia
Longstreet’s Corps Artillery Reserve
Alexander’s Battalion Woolfolk’s Battery
The Ashland Virginia Artillery
Two 20 Pounder Parrotts Two Napoleons

July 2. Took position here 4.30 P. M. and opened fire. Joined soon in the advance of the infantry During remainder of the day occupied position on the crest near Peach Orchard and was actively engaged in firing upon the new line of the Union forces.

July 3. In position near N. E. corner of Spangler’s Woods on left of the artillery line which occupied the ridge from Peach Orchard to that point. Took part in the cannonade preceding Longstreet’s assault followed and supported it. Aided then in repelling sharpshooters and withdrew at midnight.

July 4. In position near here until 4 P. M. Then withdrew to Marsh Creek on Fairfield Road.

Losses heavy but not reported in detail

See more on the history of the Ashland (Virginia) Artillery in the Civil War.