Cumberland Township near Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Brigadier General Samuel Wiley Crawford
Photographed By Craig Swain, November 11, 2008
1. Brigadier General Samuel Wiley Crawford Memorial
Commander of the Pennsylvania Reserves
1829 - 1892
Erected 1988.
Topics. This memorial is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil.
Location. 39° 47.756′ N, 77° 14.327′ W. Marker is near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Adams County. It is in Cumberland Township. Memorial is on Crawford Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Located in Plum Run Valley (the Valley of Death) 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. Third Division (within shouting distance of this marker); 96th Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 3rd Massachusetts Battery (about 300 feet away); 139th Pennsylvania Infantry (about 400 feet away); Second Division (about 400 feet away); Third Brigade (about 400 feet away); 93rd Pennsylvania Infantry (about 500 feet away); 11th Pennsylvania Reserves (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. Plum Run Valley vurtual tour by markers.
Also see . . .
this page online
Not a moment was to be lost. Uncovering our front, I ordered an immediate advance. The command advanced gallantly with loud cheers. Two well-directed volleys were delivered upon the advancing masses of the enemy, when the whole column charged at a run down the slope, driving the enemy back across the space beyond and across the stone wall, for the possession of which there was a short but determined struggle. The enemy retired to the wheat-field and the woods. (Submitted on February 1, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Additional commentary.
1. Crawford Park
Long after the war, General Crawford maintained an attachment to the battlefield, and often visited Gettysburg. In 1872, he became concerned with changes being made to the battlefield, specifically tree cutting and rock quarrying. In response, for $500 Crawford purchased Plum Run Valley west of Little Round Top. The 47 acre tract was known as Crawford Park. Later, Crawford became director of the Gettysburg Battlefield
Photographed By Craig Swain, November 11, 2008
2. Close up of Plaque
Even though General Crawford indicated the park would be passed to the GBMA after his death, the disagreements must have seeded resentment. Before his death in November 1892, no arrangements were made for the land transfer. Adding further insult, Crawford granted a right-of-way for an electric railway through the Vally over his property, a development opposed by the GBMA.
Outrage against the intrusive construction of the railway line was public and at times emotional. The opposition reached a crescendo in late 1893 when the War Department was asked to survey the changes and assess any damage. One reaction to the report was Federal opposition to the railway, and a legal battle lasting several years. In 1896, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Federal government could legally condemn land of historic significance in order to preserve it. The land was then acquired for the then new Gettysburg National Military Park, which over the span of another 100 years evolved into the park we see today.
Thus one might say the ground west
Photographed By Craig Swain, November 11, 2008
3. Statue of Gen. Crawford
The statue depicts General Crawford taking the colors from the bearer to personally lead the charge of the Pennsylvania Reserves into the Valley of Death.
(Based on Devil's Den: A History and Guide, by Garry E. Adelman and Timothy H. Smith, Gettysburg, Pa: Thomas Publications, 1997.)
— Submitted February 1, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
Photographed By Mike Stroud, November 2003
4. Brigadier General Samuel Wiley Crawford Statue
Photographed By Craig Swain, November 11, 2008
5. Brigadier General Crawford Memorial and Division Tablet
A memorial to General Crawford and the tablet detailing his division's activities is appropriately located along Crawford Avenue.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 1, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,920 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 1, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 4. submitted on February 2, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. 5. submitted on February 1, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
