Madison Light Artillery Marker

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Near Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Madison Light Artillery
Artillery Reserve - Longstreet's Corps
— Army of Northern Virginia —

Madison Light Artillery Tablet Photo, Click for full size

By Craig Swain, April 12, 2008

1. Madison Light Artillery Tablet

Inscription. Army of Northern Virginia
Longstreet's Corps Artillery Reserve
Alexander's Battalion Moody's Battery
The Madison Light Artillery
Four 24 Pounder Howitzers
July 2 Arrived here and opened fire at 4 p.m. Following the infantry charge upon the Peach Orchard took position near there and with other batteries supported the infantry in its further advance. Aided in so harassing the retiring Union forces as to compel the temporary abandonment of several guns. Kept up a spirited fire until nightfall and prevented pursuit of the Confederate advanced lines when they fell back shortly before dark.

July 3 In position at dawn in the artillery line on the ridge running north from the Peach Orchard and on duty there all day. Took part in the cannonade preceding Longstreet's assault and retired from the front after night.

July 4 Remained near here until 4 p.m. and then withdrew to Marsh Creek on the Fairfield Road.

Losses heavy but not reported in detail.

Erected 1910 by Gettysburg National Military Park Commission.

Location. 39° 48.108′ N, 77° 15.371′ W. Marker is near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Adams County. Marker is at the intersection of West Confederate Avenue

By Craig Swain, April 12, 2008

2. Madison Light Artillery Tablet

Two cannon represent the battery.

and Millerstown Road, on the left when traveling south on West Confederate Avenue. Click for map. Located in Gettysburg National Military Park. Marker is in this post office area: Gettysburg PA 17325, United States of America.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Brooks Artillery (within shouting distance of this marker); Mississippi (within shouting distance of this marker); Barksdale's Charge (within shouting distance of this marker); First Army Corps (within shouting distance of this marker); Taylor's Battery - Alexander's Battalion (within shouting distance of this marker); Alexander's Battalion (about 300 feet away, in a direct line); Barksdale's Brigade (about 300 feet away); Miller's Battery - Eshleman's Battalion (about 300 feet away). Click for a list of all markers in Gettysburg.

24 pounder Austrian Field Howizters Photo, Click for full size

By Craig Swain, April 12, 2008

3. 24 pounder Austrian Field Howizters

The two guns placed to represent the Madison Light Artillery are of Austrian origin. Both were imported during the war to supplement a shortage of weapons in the Confederacy. However, the battery was more likely armed with U.S. manufacture 24-pdr Field Howitzers at the time of the battle. The Austrian howitzers were shorter and weighed half as much as the American types.