Salem, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

Sgt. James Walton

Salem Flying Artillery, C.S.A.

Photographed by Kevin W., November 24, 2007

1. Sgt. James Walton Marker

Inscription. Here at East Hill Cemetery is buried Sgt. James Walton (1838-1875). A gunner in Capt. Charles B. Griffin's Battery (Salem Flying Artillery), Walton fired one of the last artillery shots by Gen. Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia at Appomattox Court House. Stationed in the yard of the George Peers house at the northeastern end of the village, Griffin's battery fired at Union cavalry until ordered to stop. Walton had just loaded powder into a gun when the order arrived; he discharged the cannon to clear it and saved the primer as a souvenir.

Erected 1993 by Department of Historic Resources. (Marker Number K-78.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (DHR) series list.

Location. 37° 17.649′ N, 80° 2.935′ W. Marker is in Salem, Virginia. It is at the intersection of E. Main Street (U.S. 460) and Park Avenue, on the right when traveling east on E. Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Salem VA 24153, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Virginia’s Mountain Region,

in Southwest Virginia,

and in the Blue Ridge Highlands.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Andrew Lewis’ Grave (a few steps from this marker); To honor our Confederate Soldiers

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(about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); General Andrew Lewis Land Grant (about 400 feet away); In Memory of These Confederate Soldiers Buried Herein (about 500 feet away); East Hill Cemetery North (about 500 feet away); General Andrew Lewis (about 600 feet away); William Howard Thompson (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lynchburg and Salem Turnpike (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Salem.

Photographed by Kevin W., November 24, 2007

2. Sgt. James Walton Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 27, 2019. It was originally submitted on December 1, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,109 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 1, 2007, by Kevin W. of Stafford, Virginia.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Location and pictures of Sgt Walton's gravestone. • Can you help?