James Rigby
Continuing in Loudon Park National Cemetery, we come to the grave of our first Civil War artillerist: Capt. James H. Rigby.
Capt. Rigby commanded Battery A of the 1st MD Light Artillery. At Gettysburg, Rigby’s battery was part of the Fourth Volunteer Brigade in the Artillery Reserve, and his six 3-inch Ordnance Rifles were posted on Powers’ Hill, firing in support of the Union operations on nearby Culp’s Hill on July 2 and 3.
This was not exactly a front-line posting, and the unit’s casualty figures reflect that. The battery brought 106 men to Gettysburg, and did not report any losses in the action.
Over the last few years, Powers’ Hill has been cleared to return the ground to the look it had in 1863, and some new property has been acquired in that area by the park, but I still don’t think most visitors are aware of the monuments up there. The hill is not included on the auto tour route – not even as a drive-by – so for now, the contributions of these men will go largely unknown by the general public.
Capt. Rigby’s grave is located in the southern part of the cemetery, under a large, old tree. It’s easily recognizable from a distance:
I visited Capt. James H. Rigby’s grave site in the summer of 2005. I also visited the monument to his 1st MD, Battery on Powers Hill, Gettysburg Battlefield. This was before the trees were cleared so I had to use my imagination since Culp’s Hill wasn’t as visible. I also visited the monument there marking Gen. Slocum’s headquarters for the 12th Corps., Army of the Potomac.
My gr gr grandfather, Pvt. Edward W. Springer was one of the 106 men w/ this unit on July 2& 3, 1863.