Cumberland Township near Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

First Division

First Corps

— Army of the Potomac —

Photographed By Craig Swain, November 1, 2008

1. First Division, First Corps Tablet

Above the tablet is a circle or "moon," the symbol of the Federal First Corps.

Inscription. Army of the Potomac
First Corps
First Division
Brig. General James S. WadsworthFirst Brigade Brig. Gen. Solomon Meredith, Col. Wm. W. Robinson
Second Brigade Brig. General Lysander Cutler

July 1. Arrived at 10 a.m. The First Union Infantry on field. Formed across Chambersburg Pike relieving First Division Cavalry Corps and was immediately attacked by Archer's and Davis's Brigades Heth's Confederate Division which was repulsed with heavy losses at 2 p.m. both sides having been heavily reinforced the fighting was renewed with great energy. The two Brigades fighting separately where most needed. At 4 p.m. the Confederates having advanced in superior numbers and enveloping both flanks the Division retired by order of the General Commanding to Cemetery Hill and went into position on north side of Culp's Hill.

July 2 & 3. Entrenched on Culp's Hill and repulsed attacks made in the evening of second and morning of third.

Casualties Killed 19 Officers 280 Men. Wounded 98 Officers 1131 Men. Captured or Missing 15 Officers 612 Men. Total 2155.

Erected 1910 by Gettysburg National Military Park Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1822.

Location. 39°

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50.21′ N, 77° 14.923′ W. Marker is near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Adams County. It is in Cumberland Township. Marker is at the intersection of Reynolds Avenue and Chambersburg Pike (U.S. 30), on the right when traveling north on Reynolds Avenue. Located south of the Second Railroad Cut in Gettysburg National Military Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Gettysburg PA 17325, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 12th Illinois Cavalry (within shouting distance of this marker); 143d Pennsylvania Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker); 6th Wisconsin Volunteers (within shouting distance of this marker); 95th New York Infantry (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 14th Regiment New York State Militia (about 300 feet away); First Corps (about 300 feet away); 8th Illinois Cavalry (about 400 feet away); 3rd Indiana Cavalry (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gettysburg.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. First Division, First Corps at Gettysburg

Also see . . . Report of Brig. Gen. James S. Wadsworth. General Wadsworth summarized much of the fighting on July 1:
The enemy advanced in heavy force on our right, and placed a battery in position to enfilade the line, and I was obliged to
Photographed By Craig Swain, November 1, 2008

2. First Division Tablet
order the right to fall back to Seminary Ridge, forming the line northwesterly and diagonal to the Cashtown road. Two brigades of the Second Division were sent to our right, and gallantly held the enemy in check for an hour, capturing a large number of prisoners. I received orders direct from Major-General Howard to hold Seminary Ridge as long as possible....At about 2.30 p.m. Major-General Schurz, who had been advanced on our right, fell back after partially engaging the enemy, and left our right exposed. The enemy advanced in large force from that direction, and on our left the Third Division of this corps was driven back. Finding myself outflanked on both right and left, heavily pressed in front, and my ammunition nearly exhausted, at 3.45 o'clock I ordered the command to retire. The movement was effected in good order, and all the artillery brought off safely, excepting one caisson, the Seventh Wisconsin bringing up the rear, and suffering heavily, with the whole of the command, from the fire from our front and both flanks. (Submitted on January 16, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

First Division Monument<br>Looking South Towards Reynolds Avenue image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brian Scott, September 23, 2015

3. First Division Monument
Looking South Towards Reynolds Avenue

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 16, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,058 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 16, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 3. submitted on July 17, 2016, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.