Cumberland Township near Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Reverend Father William Corby, C.S.C.
Chaplain 88th Regiment New York Infantry
(Plaque at Statue Base)
of
Rev. Father William Corby, C.S.C.
Chaplain 88th Regiment New York Infantry
2nd Brigade 1st Division 2nd Corps
The Irish Brigade
July 2nd 1863
(Side Marker Stone):
Congregation of Holy Cross
This memorial depicts Father Corby,
a chaplain of the Irish Brigade,
giving general absolution and blessing
before Battle of Gettysburg,
July 2, 1863
President, University of Notre Dame
1866-72, 1877-81
Plaque donated June 1863 by
the Philadelphia Alumni Club
of the University of Notre Dame
Erected 1910.
Topics. This memorial is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is July 2, 1863.
Location. 39° 48.205′ N, 77° 14.063′ W. Marker is near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Adams County. It is in Cumberland Township. Memorial is on Hancock Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Located on the south part of Cemetery Ridge 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. Dow's 6th Maine Battery (a few steps from this marker); 2nd Connecticut Light Battery (within shouting distance of this marker); First Volunteer Brigade (within shouting distance of this marker); Battery G, 1st New York Light Artillery (within shouting distance of this marker); New York State Auxiliary Monument (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 2nd Battery New Jersey Light Artillery (about 300 feet away); 4th Pennsylvania Cavalry (about 500 feet away); Battery H, 3rd Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery (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. The Statue is Dulpicated at Notre Dame.
Also see . . . Father William Corby. Father Corby, like many devout Catholics, had mixed feelings about the Civil War, but none-the-less felt the calling to support the men, spiritually. At Gettysburg, his action of offered absolution to the entire Irish Brigade was the first time the action had been granted in America. This moment linked Catholicism and American Patriotism together for many who witnessed or later read about the event. (Submitted on February 4, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 4, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,646 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 4, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 5. submitted on July 18, 2012.