Richmond Howitzers Monument Marker

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Richmond, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Richmond Howitzers Monument

By Kevin W., November 27, 2008

1. Richmond Howitzers Monument Marker

Inscription. To commemorate
the deeds and services
of
The Richmond Howitzers
of the period
1861-1865
[On south side of granite base, on the bronze emblem of the Richmond Howitzers]: Cita Mors Aut Victoria Laeta 1859
[On north side of granite base, on bronze emblem of the Confederacy]: From Bethel to Appomattox

Erected 1892 by The Richmond Howitzer Association.

Marker series. This marker is included in the Markers Attached to Sculpture marker series.

Location. 37° 32.921′ N, 77° 27.304′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia. Marker is on Park Avenue near Harrison Street. Click for map. Marker is in a triangular plot of land bordered by Park Avenue, Harrison Street, and Grove Avenue. Marker is in this post office area: Richmond VA 23220, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Monroe Park (approx. 0.2 miles away); Maj. Gen. J. E. B. Stuart (approx. 0.3 miles away); Jacob House (approx. 0.4 miles away); Lee (approx. 0.5 miles away); Grace Evelyn Arents (approx. 0.5 miles away); Confederate Memorial Pyramid (approx. 0.5 miles away); Site of J. E. B. Stuart's Death (approx. 0.6 miles away); “I must save the women of Richmond!” (approx. 0.6 miles away). Click for a list of all markers in Richmond.

Richmond Howitzers Monument Marker (south side) Photo, Click for full size

By Kevin W., November 27, 2008

2. Richmond Howitzers Monument Marker (south side)

CITA MORS AUT VICTORIA LAETA
(Latin for Quick death or glorious victory) This is the emblem of the Richmond Howitzers. It depicts two crossed cannon barrels encircled by a laurel wreath.

More about this marker. A standing figure of a Civil War artillery soldier holding a cannon tamper in his right hand and his hat in his left. By his feet is a shattered artillery shell.

Regarding Richmond Howitzers Monument. Organized in 1859, the artillery soldiers of the Richmond Howitzers were among the first to see action during the Civil War. The emblem of the Richmond Howitzers, on the south side of the base is inscribed with a Latin phrase which translates as "Quick death or glorious victory." The Howitzer Association formed in December 1891 to erect a monument to honor the deeds and services of fallen Howitzer soldiers.

The sculpture was designed by William L. Sheppard, a former officer in the Howitzers, and was executed in bronze by Caspar Buberl. The $4,000 cost of the monument was funded mainly through contributions by the Howitzers. The small triangular plot of land where the monument is installed was donated by Richmond's city council.

Richmond Howitzers Monument Marker (north side) Photo, Click for full size

By Kevin W., November 27, 2008

3. Richmond Howitzers Monument Marker (north side)

From Bethel to Appomattox Included here is the emblem of the Confederacy, depicting a shield crossed with two rows of stars and encircled by a laurel wreath.