Crenshaw Artillery

Descendants Association

Participated in the Breakthrough Battle at Petersburg on April 2, 1865

Fought on or near the present day grounds of Pamplin Historical Park

Crenshaw's Battery was formed by Captain William G. Crenshaw (1824-1897) and enlisted in the Confederate Army 14 March 1862. Crenshaw resigned his commission 15 April 1863 to become a purchasing agent for the Confederate government in England. Captain Thomas Ellet (1833-1906) commanded the battery from 15 April 1863 until it was disbanded 9 April 1865. The battery was also known as Captain Eilett's Company, Virginia Light Artillery and served in Walker's and Pegram's Battalions, Reserve Artillery.

Crenshaw's Battery was armed from March 14, 1862 with two 10-lb Parrotts, two 12-lb Howitzers and two 6-lb Smoothbores. From July 1, 1863 to December 28, 1864, the batttery was armed with four 12-lb Napoleons.

Major Battles

Mechanicsville - Gaines's Mill - Cedar Mountain - 2nd Manassas - Harper's Ferry - Sharpsburg - Fredericksburg - Chancellorsville - Gettysburg - Bristoe Station - Mine Run - Spotsylvania - North Anna - Petersburg - Hatcher's Run - Five Forks - Breakthrough Battle (April 2, 1865)

Soldier's Notes

Crenshaw Artillery Descendants Roll Call

If you are a descendant or family member of a soldier of the Crenshaw Artillery who served at any time during the war and would like to be listed on the Descendants Roll Call, please send an e-mail by clicking the mail icon below. Type "Crenshaw Artillery" in the subject line and provide details in the message.

Important Links

Two Brothers: One North, One South

by David H. Jones

The Final Battles of the Petersburg

Campaign by A. Wilson Greene

Pamplin Historical Park & National

Museum of the Civil War Soldier

Ordering Service & Pension Records

National Archives

Telling Their Story ... A Young Man

Embraces His Confederate Heritage

The Association of Citizen Historians

of the United States

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