Cumberland Township near Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Barksdale’s Charge

July 2, 6:00 pm

— Gettysburg National Military Park —

Barksdale’s Charge Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Karl Stelly, February 19, 2024

1. Barksdale’s Charge Marker

Inscription. Confederate General William Barksdale’s hard-fighting Mississippians—the 13th, 17th, 18th, and 21st infantry regiments—arrived in this position around 4:00 pm on July 2. Barksdale, anxious to engage the enemy to his front, repeatedly asked permission to attack. When the order finally came, Barksdale led his men forward. The 1,600 Mississippians raised the Rebel yell, advancing across the fields in front of you towards the Peach Orchard and Sherfy Farm. Seemingly unstoppable, the Southerners pushed through the Peach Orchard, smashing the Union line. They advanced to Plum Run, at the foot of Cemetery Ridge, before being forced back. Barksdale fell, mortally wounded, as he tried to rally his men.

(captions)
Barksdale’s men were hardened veterans of the battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. During the fighting on July 2nd, the brigade suffered 804 casualties—50% of those who made the charge.

With artillery support, Barksdale's regiments stormed across these fields, forcing Union troops out of the Peach Orchard.

Erected 2024 by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is July 2, 1863.

Location. 39° 48.144′

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N, 77° 15.346′ W. Marker is near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Adams County. It is in Cumberland Township. It is on West Confederate Avenue north of Millerstown Road, on the left when traveling south. Marker is just behind the Mississippi State Monument, at Auto Tour Stop 6. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 115 W Confederate Ave, 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: Mississippi (a few steps from this marker); The Brooks Artillery (within shouting distance of this marker); Miller's Battery - Eshleman's Battalion (within shouting distance of this marker); Barksdale's Brigade (within shouting distance of this marker); Squires's Battery - Eshleman's Battalion (within shouting distance of this marker); Louisiana State Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Madison Light Artillery (within shouting distance of this marker); Wofford's Brigade (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gettysburg.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Barksdale's Charge (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Old Marker At This Location also titled "Barksdale Charge".

Also see . . .

Photographed by Karl Stelly, February 19, 2024

2. Barksdale’s Charge Marker

This view looks eastward from the marker.

Gettysburg National Military Park. National Park Service (Submitted on February 22, 2024.)

Credits. This page was last revised on February 22, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 19, 2024, by Karl Stelly of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 752 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 19, 2024, by Karl Stelly of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.