Wesley Culps rifle?

[Georgia Reb]

There is a photo of a rifle stock with the initials "W. Culp" carved on it that is supposed to be the stock of the rifle carried at Gettysburg by Wesly Culp of the 2nd VA infantry. I am trying to find information as to when this stock was found, who found it and where it is today. seems to be very little information out there concerning this item. all help will be greatly appreciated.

 

[Tom Elmore]

Most of the 2nd Virginia was deployed as skirmishers east of Rock Creek on July 2. They operated around the Zepheniah Tawney and John Tawney residences against the far right of the Union Twelfth Corps and later Neill's Sixth Corps brigade. I suppose Culp was killed in this heavily wooded area. A Mrs. Rosensteel had a place not far distant, north of Wolf's Hill. Presumably there is a connection with John Rosensteel, who was 16 years old in 1863 and began amassing his impressive relics collection found in the vicinity. His first acquisition in fact was a rifle found in the lap of a dead Confederate soldier lying against a tree. John Wesley Culp was the only man killed in the 2nd Virginia, but only a portion of his gun stock (with his initials) was reportedly recovered. I don't know if it became part of the Rosensteel collection. If it did, it would likely be in the collection of the Gettysburg National Military Park.

 

[zburkett]

Is there a published list of National Park Service collections?

 

[Tom Elmore]

In Gettysburg Battlefield Relics & Souvenirs, by Mike O'Donnell, p. 181, there is a cabinet card showing a musket found on Wolf Hill on February 2, 1896. The card was produced by J. I. Mumper, at 29 Baltimore Street in Gettysburg. The photograph shows the musket in two parts, one being a small part of the stock. It would be interesting to compare it with the stock fragment from Culp's weapon.

You might have to contact GNMP for information on their collections.

 

[MRB1863]

What a treasure! Please post a few photos.

 

[James N.]

I remember seeing that photo - welcome to the forums!

 

[Kip124thNY]

There is a book written by Tom McMillan, "Gettysburg Rebels Five Native Sons Who Came Home to Fight as Confederate Soldiers". One of the native sons is Wesley Culp and the book may have the answers to your questions. I got to meet the author on a battle walk in Gettysburg and found him very knowledgeable.

 

[Gettysburg Guide #154]

Tom McMillan's book is a god one. It is well researched. At page 152, it has the photo of the stock of the W Culp rifle. The credit for the photo is Gettysburg National Military Park. Based on that I think it is safe to believe that the photo is in their collection.

McMillan makes a strong case for Wesley Culp having been killed on July 2, and no one can say conclusively that his conclusion is wrong. However, my belief is that Culp was killed on July 3 because the regimental commander for the 2d VA, Col. John Q. A. Nadenbousch reported only 3 wounded on July 2, and makes no mention of any who were killed. (see OR, Vol XXVII, pt. 2, p. 521) With only one KIA in the regiment, it is hard to imagine that he got that wrong. Having said that, McMillan does present evidence supporting his conclusion. In the end, neither of us were there, so we really don't know.

Wesley Culp's body was never recovered, unless you believe the local legend that says the family recovered the body and interred it in an unmarked grave in Evergreen Cemetery. I have heard at least one person remark (only half kiddingly) that she planning to be buried in Evergreen Cemetery in order to be there on Resurrection Day to see if Welsey Culp is really buried there.

 

[Kentucky Derby Cavalier.]

There is a photo of a rifle stock with the initials "W. Culp" carved on it that is supposed to be the stock of the rifle carried at Gettysburg by Wesly Culp of the 2nd VA infantry. I am trying to find information as to when this stock was found, who found it and where it is today. seems to be very little information out there concerning this item. all help will be greatly appreciated.

Welcome friend.

 

[Georgia Reb]

Tom McMillan's book is a god one. It is well researched. At page 152, it has the photo of the stock of the W Culp rifle. The credit for the photo is Gettysburg National Military Park. Based on that I think it is safe to believe that the photo is in their collection.

McMillan makes a strong case for Wesley Culp having been killed on July 2, and no one can say conclusively that his conclusion is wrong. However, my belief is that Culp was killed on July 3 because the regimental commander for the 2d VA, Col. John Q. A. Nadenbousch reported only 3 wounded on July 2, and makes no mention of any who were killed. (see OR, Vol XXVII, pt. 2, p. 521) With only one KIA in the regiment, it is hard to imagine that he got that wrong. Having said that, McMillan does present evidence supporting his conclusion. In the end, neither of us were there, so we really don't know.

Wesley Culp's body was never recovered, unless you believe the local legend that says the family recovered the body and interred it in an unmarked grave in Evergreen Cemetery. I have heard at least one person remark (only half kiddingly) that she planning to be buried in Evergreen Cemetery in order to be there on Resurrection Day to see if Welsey Culp is really buried there.

Could this rifle stock be held In GNMP archives?

 

[Gettysburg Guide #154]

Could this rifle stock be held In GNMP archives?

While not positive, I believe that is here it is. I'm not sure whether they may have it on display in the museum at the Visitor's Center. Sadly, it's all closed right now.