Some of the Texas military regiments fought east of the Mississippi River, however, most soldiers were useful for supplying soldiers and horses to the Confederate Army. As a result, not many soldiers fought within the eastern theater that was from the Lonestar state. Around the time of the battle of Gettysburg and Vicksburg in 1863, Texans and the rest of the Confederacy had to worry about Federal gunboats steaming up the river. This would cut off cotton, men, horses, and cattle to their suppliers.
Secession occurred on February 1st, 1861, after the replacement of their governor Sam Houston. Mr. Houston fought under Andrew Jackson during the War of 1812, and he governor to be elected to two different states. Within the Confederate army, over 70,000 Texas served. As soldiers arrived into Virginia, they called out that they were “Texans”. However, Texas provided a small contingent of 1,250 to the Army of Northern Virginia, but these men were justifiably considered the shock troops of the Confederacy.
At Gettysburg, the Texans were part of Hood’s Brigade, and consisted of three regiments and one from Arkansas. They were commanded by Brigadier General John Bell Hood until he was promoted to division command. His replacement was Brigadier General Jerome Bonaparte Robertson until he was wounded on July 2nd. This monument along West Confederate Avenue is where the brigade started their march in battle formation towards Devils Den and Little Round Top. The battle cost them dearly on July 2nd afternoon.
The 1st Texas was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Philip A. Work, and had 426 soldiers in his regiment. The 4th Texas was commanded by Colonel John C.G. Key, Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin F. Carter, and Major J.P. Banelt. The first two would get wounded on the charge. They brought 426 soldiers. The 5th Texas was commanded by Colonel R.M. Powell, Lieutenant Colonel King Bryan, and Major S.C. Rogers. The first two were wounded and captured. They brought 409 soldiers to the battle. Now even though they aren’t from Texas, they fought with the Texas brigade. The 3rd Arkansas was commanded by Colonel Van. H. Manning.
Overall, the brigade of Texans and had a total of 420 casualties, along with their divisional commander John Bell Hood. He was shot badly in the beginning of the attack and lost the use of his arm. However, prior to being injured, John Bell Hood was admired by his fellow soldiers. Hood was unsure and dissatisfied with the orders that was handed down to him to fight against the Federal Army over boulder-strewn rocky terrain. He requested permission from General James Longstreet to move around to the right flank towards Big Round Top, but the suggestion was refused. In the end, John Bell Hood led the charge towards Devil’s Den.
The Texas brigade has a monument that’s next to the state of Texas monument. The brigade monument is an obelisk standing on a square base. It was funded by the United Daughters of the Confederacy, Texas Division and was unveiled on the 50th anniversary of the battle in 1913. However, the state of Texas monument was dedicated in 1964. All the state monuments for Texas are made of a red granite and features a Texas Lone Star. The only thing that changes is part of the inscription.