Lt. Col. Philip A. Work
Woodville, Tyler County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Came to Texas, 1838, represented Tyler County, Texas secession convention, 1861. Raised and was Captain, Co. F. 1st Regt., Hood's Texas brigade. As Lieutenant Colonel, commanded Hood's Texans June 1862-Jan. 1864, in battles such as Sharpsburg, where brigade had over 82% casualties. Greatest loss for any unit in any Civil War action. Col. work led Texas brigade second day, Gettysburg; And in Chickamauga victory, 1863. After coming home to regain health, was in David S. Terry's Texas cavalry. After war practiced law. Is buried in old Hardin Cemetery.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Philip A. Work came to Texas in 1838 and represented Tyler County at the 1861 secession convention before raising Company F of Hood's famed Texas Brigade. As lieutenant colonel he commanded the Texans from 1862 to 1864, including at Sharpsburg (Antietam), where the brigade suffered over 82% casualties—among the greatest losses of any unit in the war. He led the Texas Brigade on the second day at Gettysburg and through the Confederate victory at Chickamauga in 1863 before returning home in failing health.
Why it matters
His service embodies the sacrifice of Hood's Texas Brigade, whose staggering casualty rates made it one of the most storied combat units of the Civil War.
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Related people
- · Philip A. Work
- · John Bell Hood
Related events
- · Battle of Antietam (Sharpsburg)
- · Battle of Gettysburg
- · Battle of Chickamauga
Themes & tags
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