Their Guns Pounded Graveyard Hill

During the Battle of Helena, Battery B on Crowley's Ridge, about three-quarters of a mile north of this point, was the only battery there that Confederates did not attack. Felled trees in front of Battery B kept Confederate artillery from moving close enough to be effective, so its gunners did not need to defend themselves and instead fired on Confederates attacking Battery A. After the assault on Battery A failed, Battery B turned its cannon on Confederates trying to take Battery C. Captain Alexander J. Campbell watched the gray-clad soldiers arrive before Battery C, advance in column, and swing into line of battle, then ordered his artillery to open fire. Edward S. Remington of the 28th Wisconsin watched with dismay as Confederates slowly climbed the hill toward the breastworks, and Battery B continued to pound them on Graveyard Hill. Because Battery C was out of rifle range, the infantrymen at Battery B could only watch in frustration, though some fired against orders, as Confederates raised their flag on Battery C.

Helena-West Helena, Arkansas · United States