The Fan District in Richmond, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)
Richmond Howitzers Monument
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]:
[On north side of granite base, on bronze emblem of the Confederacy]:
Erected 1892 by The Richmond Howitzer Association.
Topics. This historical marker and monument is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1859.
Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 37° 32.921′ N, 77° 27.304′ W. Marker was in Richmond, Virginia. It was in The Fan District. Marker was on Park Avenue near Harrison Street. Marker is in a triangular plot of land bordered by Park Avenue, Harrison Street, and Grove Avenue. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Richmond VA 23220, United States of America.
We have been informed that this sign or monument is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. The Equal Suffrage League of Virginia (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Richmond Professional Institute (approx. 0.2 miles away); Founders Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away); Cathedral of the Sacred Heart (approx. 0.2 miles away); Monroe Park (approx. ¼ mile away); a different marker also named Monroe Park (approx. ¼ mile away); Site of Richmond College (approx. 0.3 miles away); Jacob House (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.
More about this monument. 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.
Additional commentary.
1. Prof. Frederick William Nicholls Crouch Author, Buglar of Howitzers 1861-1865
My great grandfather served as bugler and canoneer Co A Richmond Howitzers 1861-1865. He was the author of "Kathleen Mavourneen" a favored song of the South and to this day. It was the theme song of the movie "Gettysburg". His daughter Emma Elizabeth Crouch aka "Cora Pearl" famous courtesan of the 19th Century. He is buried at "Confederate Hill" Loudon Cemetery in Baltimore with honors.
— Submitted August 22, 2011, by Frederick William Nicholls Crouch of Maidens, Virginia, USA.
2. Statue toppled
The statue on this monument was pulled down by protesters late Tuesday, June 16, 2020.
— Submitted June 17, 2020, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 29, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 3,634 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on November 29, 2008, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. 7. submitted on May 10, 2012, by Bernard Fisher of Richmond, Virginia.