Civil War Battle of Ox Hill (Chantilly) - Louisiana Belt Buckle from Hays' Brigade

Louisiana Waist Belt Plate
(Brass)

SEMPER FI

The artifact pictured above was found by Robert Daly U.S.M.C (Ret) in September, 1962... 100 years after the Battle of Ox Hill was fought.

The above waist belt plate with the Louisiana state seal was found about 50 yards east of West Ox Road where Hays' Brigade was retreating from the main Union attack on the Confederate center.

Interpretation

This unique artifact belonged to a soldier from Hays' Brigade of Louisiana regiments. The brigade broke as General Stevens' troops charged the Confederate positions at the edge of the grass field. In the thick woods, heavy rain and fierce fighting that followed, it's easy to imagine how the waist belt was snagged by a branch or cast off by a panicked soldier.

Hay's Brigade eventually recovered and was brought forward to help support Early's Virginia regiments who had formed a second line of defense. Once supported, the Confederate line advanced and regained their earlier positions at the edge of the woods.

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