1st Company Richmond Howitzers

Our History

Mustered June 1861, Virginia

Total mustered: Approx. 280 men (original companies organized April 1861; expanded to battalion strength in 1862)
Casualties: Killed (11), Wounded (40), Hospitalized (41), Died in Service (17)

Command Surrendered: 92 men were paroled. The majority were paroled in these 4 locations: Richmond (29), Appomattox Court House (18), Farmville (16), and Greensboro, NC (16).

Officers: Captain George W. Randolph; Captain John C. Shields; Captain William P. Palmer; Captain Edward S. McCarthy; Captain Robert M. Anderson.

Major Engagements:

First Manassas (First Bull Run) – July 1861

Seven Days Battles – June–July 1862

Antietam (Sharpsburg) - Sept 1862

Fredericksburg – December 1862

Chancellorsville – May 1863

Gettysburg – July 1863

Wilderness – May 1864

Spotsylvania Court House – May 1864

Cold Harbor – June 1864

Petersburg Campaign – June 1864–April 1865

Appomattox Campaign – April 1865

The Richmond Howitzers were among the oldest and most prominent volunteer militia organizations in Virginia at the outbreak of the American Civil War. Originally organized in 1859 as an independent light artillery company in Richmond, they were composed largely of young professional and merchant-class men from the city. When Virginia succeeded in April 1861, the company entered Confederate service and quickly expanded into three companies. Under Captain George W. Randolph, later Secretary of War of the Confederacy, the Howitzers first saw action at Big Bethel in June 1861 and then gained distinction at First Manassas in July, where their well-handled guns supported Confederate positions during the decisive phase of the battle. Their early performance established the unit’s reputation within what would soon become the Army of Northern Virginia.

They fought in nearly every major campaign in the Eastern Theater, including the Seven Days Battles, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg. Their guns were frequently posted in key defensive positions, providing direct support to infantry brigades and participating in counter-battery fire. During the Overland Campaign of 1864 and the long Siege of Petersburg, the Howitzers endured the grinding attrition that characterized the final year of the war. Artillery service required technical skills, discipline, and steadiness under fire, and the battalion’s consistent presence in major engagements reflected its reliability and experience.

By the time of the Appomattox Campaign in April 1865, the Richmond Howitzers had been reduced by four years of combat. On April 8th near Appomattox Station, just beyond Appomattox Court House, where the Richmond Howitzers were in place. During a rest period when the teams were unhitched, they were completely surprised by Federal cavalry. The guns were quickly unlimbered and loaded with canister, which, with the artillerymen now armed with muskets, drove away the attacking force. The column proceeded on towards Lynchburg, and, on April 10, upon learning of the surrender at Appomattox Court House, the guns were spiked and buried, the carriages and harness destroyed, and the 1st Company disbanded. “The 16” who did not want to surrender went south in an effort to reunite with other Confederate unites still fighting, they were eventually paroled in Greensboro, N.C.

Though diminished in number, the unit’s service record spanned from the first major battles of 1861 to the Confederacy’s final capitulation. Contemporary accounts, National Park Service records, and postwar regimental histories consistently identify the Richmond Howitzers as one of the most distinguished artillery organizations to serve Virginia during the conflict, noted for both longevity and participation in many of the war’s pivotal engagements.

The Howitzers reorganized in 1871 and saw active duty during World War I as part of the 111th Field Artillery Regiment, Company A (1914–1918) and in World War II service as a part of the 29th Infantry Division (1939–1945). It is now a unit in the Virginia National Guard.

This picture depicts an artilleryman from this famous Confederate light artillery unit. - Painted by Don Troiani

"Stonewall" 1st Co. Richmond Howitzers' Mascot

Stonewall, a Jack Russell Terrier with a smooth white coat marked with a few black spots, was a mascot with the 1st Company.
As a puppy he wandered into the ranks of Confederate cannoneers during the summer fighting around Richmond, Virginia in 1862. An artillerist from the Richmond Howitzers noticed the little puppy and adopted him into the service of the South, naming him "Stonewall" after the famous southern general.

This picture also depicts the commander Major George Wythe Randolph, a grandson of Thomas Jefferson, (the bugler) Frederick William Nicholls Crouch, the composer of "Kathleen Mavoureen" and Sergeant John Van Lew McCreery ("Van"), Stonewall's trainer and best friend.
Picture painted by Greg Stump

Reenacting the 1st Co. Richmond Howitzers

A Faithful Portrayal of the Soldiers & Families of Virginia during the War Between the States

Our modern-day re-enactment group was organized on November 9, 1998, with members from Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. The purpose of our group is to offer a faithful portrayal of the soldiers in the Confederate Artillery and the non-combatant persons who supported them. Organized to preserve the history and tradition of the American Civil War era, we participate in Living History Displays, Reenactments, and other occasions to educate and entertain the public and our membership. A family-oriented group, you will be able to find the members of the “Howitzers” drilling, marching, and sharing their stories at many events throughout the season.

Our hobby is Living History, portraying a period of time as accurately as best we can and with as much integrity as possible. We enjoy educating the public and considering a factual presentation our responsibility. We do this voluntarily! We constantly research in order to present to the public the most historically accurate image possible. By ‘getting it right’ we are best able to teach American History to the public and honor the ancestors we represent.

Membership in the 1st Company Richmond Howitzers is open to anyone, regardless of creed, gender, or race, with a genuine desire to participate in all the activities of the Company. There are many events and social occasions scheduled year-round — any-time is a good time to begin!