Washington Township near Waynesboro in Franklin County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Battle of Monterey Pass / Michigan Cavalry Brigade
Monterey Pass Battlefield Park
Battle of Monterey Pass. During a torrential rainstorm on the night of July 4-5, 1863, the Michigan Cavalry Brigade moved to intercept the retreating Army of Northern Virginia by attacking the miles-long wagon train of the Second Corps, and its cavalry escort at this location. The opposing troops collided in hand-to-hand combat in the narrow pass. The 5th Michigan Cavalry, led by Colonel Russell A. Alger, future Secretary of War and Michigan Governor, charged up the eastern slope and across Red Run Creek Bridge. Although “nothing was discernible a half dozen paces ahead,” Union forces triumphed. By 3:00 A.M. they had taken many supplies and captured thirteen hundred Confederate prisoners. Michigan Historical Commission-Michigan Historical Center, Registered State site No. 728. 2012.This marker is the property of the State of Michigan.
Michigan Cavalry Brigade. The Michigan Cavalry Brigade was formed in December 1862 of the 5th, 6th and 7th Michigan Cavalry regiments with General Joseph T. Copeland commanding. In June 1863 the addition of the 1st Michigan Cavalry and Battery M, 2nd U.S. Artillery, completed the brigade. On the eve of the Battle of Gettysburg, George A. Custer of Monroe assumed command with his promotion to brigadier general. On July 3, 1863, the brigade helped repulse General J.E.B. Stuart’s Confederate cavalry. It fought in every major campaign of the Army of the Potomac until the surrender of General Lee at Appomattox Court House in April 1865. Nine brigade members received Medals of Honor for heroism during the Civil War.
Erected 2012 by Michigan Historical Commission-Michigan Historical Center. (Marker Number 728.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1865.
Location. 39° 44.274′ N, 77° 28.77′ W. Marker is near Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, in Franklin County. It is in Washington Township. Marker is at the intersection of Buchanan Trail East (Pennsylvania Route 16) and Charmian Road, on the right when traveling west on Buchanan Trail East. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 14325 Buchanan Trail E, Waynesboro PA 17268, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Corporal Joseph Brubaker, Jr. (a few steps from this marker); 3-Inch Ordnance Rifle (a few steps from this marker); Welcome to the Monterey Pass Battlefield Park (within shouting distance of this marker); South Mountain (within shouting distance of this marker); 12-Pounder Napoleon (within shouting distance of this marker); The Battle of Monterey Pass (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Battle of Monterey Pass (within shouting distance of this marker); Brown's Spring (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Waynesboro.
Also see . . . Fight at Monterey Pass. Wikipedia (Submitted on June 2, 2015.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 1, 2015, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 793 times since then and 46 times this year. Last updated on July 11, 2022, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 1, 2015, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 3. submitted on June 2, 2015. 4, 5. submitted on June 1, 2015, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.