Artillery for 165th Antietam

"Pray that you may never see another Sharpsburg. Sharpsburg was Artillery Hell"

- Confederate Colonel Stephen D. Lee

Federal and Confederate batteries fought across the rolling farmland surrounding Sharpsburg, their guns dominating ridges, fields, roads, and approaches throughout the battle. The thunder of artillery began before sunrise and continued as the fighting shifted from the Cornfield and West Woods to the Sunken Road and finally toward the southern end of the battlefield.

Shot and shell screamed overhead while exploding case shot showered the fields with iron. As infantry closed the distance, batteries turned to canister, transforming field pieces into enormous shotguns. Gun crews worked through smoke and confusion—loading, firing, moving pieces, replacing casualties, bringing forward ammunition, and supporting infantry only hundreds of yards away.

The guns were an essential part of the experience of Antietam. Their concussion rolled across the countryside, their smoke mixed with the musketry, and their projectiles reached far beyond the immediate infantry battle.

For the men who entered those fields on September 17, the landscape had become an Artillery Hell.

At the 165th Antietam, we intend to bring that part of the battlefield back to life.

Artillery Participation — By Invitation Only

Participation in the artillery contingent of the 165th Anniversary Antietam Campaign is by invitation only.

Artillery units and individual gun crews must receive approval from Homespun Historical Ventures and the event artillery command before registering or bringing a piece to the event.

All invited Federal and Confederate artillery participants are required to read, understand, and adhere to their respective Artillery Authenticity Regulations. These standards apply to uniforms, equipment, personal appearance, camp and baggage, gun crews, and the overall impression presented in the field.

An invitation to participate does not exempt any individual or unit from the authenticity standards.

Our objective is to field historically credible, properly equipped, and well-drilled batteries that complement the high authenticity standards established for the infantry and civilian components of the event.

Artillery is by invitation only. Authenticity regulations are mandatory.

Overall Artillery Coordinator

Jonathan Wright

Phone: 336-215-1762 email: 1strockbridgetreasurer@gmail.com