Purcell (Virginia) Artillery

Confederate Artillery Batteries

“McGraw’s Battery”

The marker to the Purcell (Virginia) Artillery is southwest of Gettysburg on West Confederate Avenue. (Tour map: West Confederate Avenue – Pt. 2)

The battery was commanded at the Battle of Gettysburg by Captain Joseph McGraw.

Marker for the Purcell (Virginia) Artillery of the Army of Northern Virginia at Gettysburg

From the marker:

Army of Northern Virginia 
Hill’s Corps Artillery Reserve
Pegram’s Battalion McGraw’s Battery
The Purcell Artillery
Four Napoleons

July 1. In position south of the Chambersburg Pike on the ridge west of Herr’s Tavern and actively engaged.

July 2. Early in the morning occupied this position and took part in the day’s conflict with the Union batteries and now and then dropped a shell among the busy sharpshooters.

July 3. Remained here and actively participated in all the operations of the artillery.

July 4. Withdrew about sunset and began the march to Hagerstown.

Losses not reported in detail.

Marker for the Purcell Artillery at Gettysburg

See more on the history of the Purcell Artillery in the Civil War.