Near Shiloh in Hardin County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)
Ross' Battery
2nd Michigan Light Artillery - Hurlbut's Division
— Army of the Tennessee —
Photographed By Craig Swain, March 16, 2009
1. Ross' Battery Tablet
The battery was commanded by Lieutenant Cuthbert W. Laing at the battle.
Ross' Battery,
2d Michigan Lt. Art., Hurlbut's (4th) Div.,
Army of the Tennessee.
This battery, of 6 Parrott Guns, became engaged at south side of this field, about 9 a.m. April 6, 1862. After a short engagement with enemy's batteries it retired to this place where it was engaged until 2 p.m. when it fell back to north side of this field.
Erected by Shiloh National Military Park Commission. (Marker Number 169.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1850.
Location. 35° 7.891′ N, 88° 20.059′ W. Marker is near Shiloh, Tennessee, in Hardin County. Marker can be reached from Hamburg-Savannah Road, on the left when traveling north. Located at stop 13, the peach orchard, of the driving tour of Shiloh National Military Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Shiloh TN 38376, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 32d Illinois Infantry (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 25th Kentucky Infantry (about 300 feet away); Welker's Battery (about 400 feet away); 3rd Iowa Infantry (about 400 feet away); Willard's Battery (about 500 feet away); 2nd Iowa Infantry
this page online
Photographed By Craig Swain, March 16, 2009
2. Ross' Battery Position
The battery is represented by six bronze pieces at this position, as opposed to the six iron Parrott Rifles indicated in the tablet's text. The artillery on display are four James rifles, one 6-pdr Field Gun, and one 12-pdr Field Howitzer. The howitzer, closest to the camera, is registry number 134, produced by Ames Foundry in 1856. It weighed 769 pounds when produced.
Photographed By Craig Swain, March 16, 2009
3. Gunner's View from Ross' Battery
Looking south from the battery position over the barrel of a James 3.80-inch Rifle. This rifle was produced by Ames Foundry in 1861. Muzzle markings show it as registry number 27, weighing 920 pounds, inspected by George T. Balch. It is considered a "Type 2, Series 4" James Rifle, with 10 groove rifling, and all the markings on the muzzle.
Photographed By Craig Swain, March 16, 2009
4. 6-pdr Field Gun Model 1861
Although sharing the same exterior profile with the nearby James Rifle, Type 2, this gun is a smoothbore. It was one of a small production run in 1861. Muzzle markings indentify this piece as registry number 4, inspected by George T. Balch. Like the rifle, it was produced by Ames.
Photographed By Craig Swain, March 16, 2009
5. James Rifle, Type 1
What looks like a Model 1841 6-pdr Field Gun, on closer inspection, is actually a James rifle. Using the pattern of the field gun, Ames Foundry cast this piece in 1861. The bore was given a 15 groove rifling. Other than the trunnion stampings for the manufacturer and date, the only other marking visible is the weight, under the knob - 867 pounds.
Photographed By Craig Swain, March 16, 2009
6. Right End of Ross' Battery
The last two pieces in the line, on the right, are James Rifles, "Type 2, Series 4" with 10 rifle grooves and muzzle stampings. The next to last piece is somewhat weathered, but may be registry number 4 cast in 1861, weighing 918 pounds. The last piece is registry number 64, cast in 1862, with a weight of 923 pounds. Both were produced by Ames and inspected by George T. Balch.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 31, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 964 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 31, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
