December 15, 2014

Remember when, in my post of November 17^TH concerning Reilly’s Battery near Big Round Top, I asked if you wanted a nice short hike? Well, Power’s Hill is not it. The photos on today’s post were taken of various artillery batteries on the hill, and it’s not a trek for the faint of heart. This was an important platform from which Union batteries could blast away at Rebel troops on Culp’s Hill, though it’s seldom discussed by fans of the battle.

Power’s Hill has three perks: Lots of artillery, pieces that are seldom seen by cannon lovers; great scenery and views; and a few nice monuments scattered here and there. Photo #1 shows the memorial dedicated to the men of Battery A, Maryland Light Artillery, also known as Rigby’s Battery. (Interestingly, all of the Maryland monuments at Gettysburg are transcribed “Maryland’s Tribute to her loyal sons” except the 1^ST Maryland Battalion, which was, of course, Confederate).Two 3-inch Ordnance Rifles flank the monument.

 

Photo #2 is one of my favorites, showing Battery E, Pennsylvania Light Artillery (this battery also has a small monument at the summit of Culp’s Hill). Not only is the monument, complete with cannon décor, very nice and different, but there are two shiny Parrott Rifles to gawk at as well. Photo # 3 shows the views that can be had if you choose to go outside your comfort zone and make the hike :-) The walk might be called treacherous, with brambles, uneven surfaces, and rocks that may or may not be hidden beneath a covering of leaves. Still, if you do go, you’ll get some fantastic shots.

**HONORED TODAY**

PVT. ANDREW JACKSON HUTCHINS

Co. C, 6^TH North Carolina Infantry

Died July 01, 1863

Pvt. Hutchins, who went by the name Jack, enlisted in May 1861, bidding farewell to wife Elizabeth and their son William who was only two. William would be fatherless at the age of four. Pvt. Hutchins, killed at Gettysburg, was later buried at Oakwood Cemetery in Raleigh, North Carolina.


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