New Jersey Monuments at Antietam
There are two monuments to Hexamer’s New Jersey Battery (officially known as Battery A, First New Jersey Light Artillery) on the Antietam battlefield. The first is on Smoketown Road near the intersection with Mumma Lane, and the second on the north side of the Sunken Road next to the Observation Tower. Both were dedicated on September 17, 1903. Hexamer’s Battery is also honored on the State of New Jersey Monument and by a monument at Gettysburg.
The battery was commanded throughout its three year service by Captain William (Wilhelm) Hexamer. It was armed at Antietam with six 10-pounder Parrott Rifles.
Smoketown Road monument to Hexamer’s New Jersey Battery
Text from the Smoketown Road monument (Smoketown Road South tour map)
Hexamer’s (New Jersey) Battery
September 17, 1862
From a position about 60 yards south of
this point the battery, between 2 and 3 p.m.
engaged and silenced the Confederate
Artillery around the Dunker Church.
Location of the monument to Hexamer’s Battery on Smoketown Road
The monument is north of Sharpsburg and northeast of the Visitor Center on Smoketown Road neat the intersection with Mumma Lane (39°28’42.6″N 77°44’37.8″W).
Monument to Hexamer’s Battery on the Sunken Road
Sunken Road monument to Hexamer’s Battery A
From the Sunken Road monument (Sunken Road East tour map; ):
Hexamer’s (New Jersey) Battery
September 17, 1862
From 3:30 p.m. until near sunset this
Battery from a point about 80 yards
north of this, engaged the enemy around
the Piper Buildings.
Location of the monument to Battery A on the Sunken Road
The monument is northeast of Sharpsburg on the north side of the Sunken Road (Bloody Lane) near the Observation Tower (39°28’10.3″N 77°44’10.0″W).