Cumberland Township near Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Hardaway Alabama Artillery
Artillery Reserve - Hill's Corps
| | Army of Northern Virginia | |
Inscription.
Hill's Corps Artillery Reserve
McIntosh's Battalion Hurt's Battery
Hardaway Alabama Artillery
Two Whitworth 3 inch Rifles
July 1 The Whitworths were in position to the right of the Chambersburg Pike near the position of Pegram's Battalion. Opened fire slowly and effectively shelling the woods occupied by the Union troops to the right of the town.
July 2 The Battery in position on Seminary Ridge south of the Hagerstown Road exposed to a heavy fire from the Union sharpshooters and artillery.
July 3 The Whitworth guns were moved to this position and fired with great effect. The 3 Inch Rifles remaining on Seminary Ridge south of the Hagerstown Road.
July 4 Withdrew at evening to Marsh Creek on the Fairfield Road.
Erected 1910 by Gettysburg National Military Park Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant day of the year for for this entry is July 1.
Location. 39° 50.932′ N, 77° 14.619′ W. Marker is near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Adams County. It is in Cumberland Township. It is on North Confederate Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Located near the Eternal Peace Light Memorial (auto tour stop 2) in Gettysburg National Military Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Gettysburg PA 17325, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in South-Central Pennsylvania. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Daniel's Brigade (a few steps from this marker); The King William Artillery (a few steps from this marker); Eternal Light Peace Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Eternal Light Peace Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Rodes's Division (within shouting distance of this marker); Rodes Attacks (within shouting distance of this marker); A Dedication (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Gettysburg (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gettysburg.
Other markers no longer nearby. General Rodes Attacks (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Eternal Light Peace Memorial (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Hart's Battery at Gettysburg.

Photographed by Craig Swain
5. Whitworth Rifle
Located on Oak Hill are two examples of the Whitworth Breechloading Rifles as used by Hurt's Battery. The piece is a 2.75-inch Breechloading Whitworth Rifle. An oddity on the field, as most Civil War cannons were loaded from the muzzle. The breech mechanism used a cross brace to open and reseal the powder chamber after loading. Another oddity, the rifling was in the form of a hexagon. The Whitworth had a range of 10,000 yards, in this field configuration, easily double that of most other guns on the field. It is no mistake that these guns were eventually placed at one of the highest points on the battlefield.

Photographed by Craig Swain, November 1, 2008
6. Long Range Fire on July 3
From Oak Hill, the Whitworths of the Hardaway Artillery were able to fire practically the length of the Federal line on July 3. Note the revolving hammer at the breech used to tightly seal the breech cap after loading. The knuckle on the right side of the breech is the hinge on which the breech cap opened for loading.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 16, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,730 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on January 31, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 2. submitted on July 21, 2016, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 3. submitted on April 16, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 4. submitted on July 21, 2016, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 5. submitted on September 27, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 6. submitted on April 16, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.



