September 03, 2014

As every visitor knows all too well, Gettysburg’s hallowed ground and natural beauty do not prevent the rain from watering the fields indiscriminately. It was one of those days when I stopped by the 1^ST Maryland Battalion, CSA, on Culp’s Hill. (It was later known as the 2^ND Maryland, a change many veterans of the unit didn’t approve of). One of the things that fascinates me most about this pic (sad, I know) is that rock behind the monument on the left. Who sat there, stretched out there to sleep, perhaps spread his meager rations out for a last meal? Who encamped in those shadowy dark woods?

Let’s take note of the some of the particular architectural features of this monument. On the front face is the Maryland state seal, consisting of two figures (a fisherman and a plowman), with the Maryland flag in the center. The state motto is inscribed at bottom, Fatti maschii, parole femine, ‘manly/strong deeds, womanly/gentle words”. I believe the cross at the top is known as the Lord Baltimore cross.

**HONORED TODAY**

CPT. AUSTIN BROCKENBROUGH, JR.

                                                        Co. D, 55^TH Virginia Infantry

Born January 18, 1842 --- Died July 02, 1863 at age 21

Cpt. Brockenbrough also served as an adjutant. He enlisted in May 1861 and was twice wounded before Gettysburg, once at Gaines’ Mill in June 1862, and once at Chancellorsville in May 1863. Gettysburg would bring the mortal blow. Cpt. Brockenbrough’s death came at age 21; he was later buried at Brockenbrough Cemetery in Tappahannock, Virginia. 


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