Cumberland Township near Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
First Brigade
Third Division - Cavalry Corps
— Army of the Potomac —
Cavalry Corps Third Division
First Brigade
Brig. Gen. Elon J. Farnsworth
Col. Nathaniel P. Richmond
5th. New York 18th. Pennsylvania
1st. Vermont 1st. (10 Cos.) West Virginia Cavalry
June 30 Arrived at Hanover about noon and was attacked by Major Gen. Stuart's Cavalry and Horse Artillery which first encountered the 18th Penna. in the rear of the column later the Brigade was engaged and Major Gen. Stuart having been forced from the town retired with the loss of a battle-flag and over 70 men.
July 1 & 2 Not engaged.
July 3 Moved to the left to attack the Confederate right and rear arriving about 1 p.m. and became engaged with the Confederate skirmishers being supported at 3 p.m. by the Reserve Cavalry Brigade on the left. At 5.30 p.m. the 18th Pa. 1st Vt. and 1st West Virginia charged the Confederate left through woods and among stone fences held by superior forces of Infantry and Artillery but were repulsed with heavy loss including Brig. Gen. Farnsworth killed.
Casualties. Killed 3 officers 18 men. Wounded 6 officers 28 men. Captured or missing 1 officer 42 men. Total 98.
Erected 1912 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 June 1934.
Location. 39° 47.138′ N, 77° 14.902′ W. Marker is near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Adams County. It is in Cumberland Township. Marker is on South Confederate Avenue, on the right when traveling east. Located in the Bushman Hill section of the Gettysburg National Battlefield 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. 18th Pennsylvania Cavalry (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Farm Field to Battlefield (about 500 feet away); A Ride to Death (about 500 feet away); Third Division (about 600 feet away); William Wells (approx. 0.2 miles away); Battery E, Fourth U.S. Artillery (approx. 0.2 miles away); 5th New York Cavalry (approx. 0.2 miles away); Reilly's Battery - Henry's Battalion (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gettysburg.
Also see . . .
1. A Defense of the "Traditional Approach". Historians Eric Whittenberg and J. David Petruzzi wrote this essay to defend the "traditional" interpretation of the Farnsworth Charge. As mentioned, the charge has received much attention in the pages of Blue and Gray Magazine. (Submitted on January 21, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
2. Brig. Gen. Elon J. Farnsworth. A biographical sketch of the young general. (Submitted on January 21, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 21, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 904 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 21, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.