Cumberland Township near Round Top in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Sixteenth Michigan Infantry
3rd Brigade, 1st Division, 5th Corps
Photographed by Craig Swain, July 24, 2008
1. Sixteenth Michigan Infantry Monument
As with many monuments at Gettysburg, this one is full of symbolism. At the top, bracketed by a a wreath of palms is the Maltese cross symbol of the Fifth Corps. The palms symbolize peace. But the musket, held within the branches of the palm, would seem to indicate an end to war. But the muzzle is pointed in the direction of Confederate positions at Devil's Den. The state seal figures prominently in the middle of the monument.
3rd Brig.
1st Div.
5th Corps
(Back):
Total enrollment 2318 officers, & men
Killed in action 10 officers, 155 men. Died of wounds 2 officers, 48 men
Died of disease 128 men. Total loss 343.
Participated in 52 skirmishes and general engagements from Yorktown, Va. May 4, 1862 to Appomattox, Va, April 9, 1865, and was one of the regiments detailed to receive Lee's Army with its arms and flags on April 9, 1865.
Regiment held this position during the afternoon and night of July 2, 1863, and assisted in defeating the desperate attempts of the enemy to capture Little Round Top.
Present for duty 17 officers, 339 men. Total 356.
Casualties.
3 officers, 20 men killed. 2 officers, 32 men wounded. 3 men missing
Total 60.
Erected 1889 by State of Michigan.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1632.
Location. 39° 47.469′ N, 77° 14.26′ W. Marker is near Round Top, Pennsylvania, in Adams County. It is in Cumberland Township. It can be reached from Sykes Avenue, on the
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in South-Central Pennsylvania. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Historic Breastworks (within shouting distance of this marker); Col. Strong Vincent (within shouting distance of this marker); 12th and 44th New York Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker); 140th New York Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker); From Battlefield to National Shrine (within shouting distance of this marker); Gen. Strong Vincent (within shouting distance of this marker); Defense of Little Round Top (within shouting distance of this marker); Third Brigade (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Round Top.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Historic Breastworks (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed).
Photographed by Craig Swain, July 24, 2008
2. Back of Monument
Photographed by Craig Swain, November 11, 2008
3. Sixteenth Michigan Infantry Monument
Seen in profile on the trail, the monument is defiantly perched on a boulder overlooking the "Valley of Death." The monument originally sat about a dozen feet up the hill on a flat spot.
Photographed by Craig Swain, November 11, 2008
4. Monument as seen from the Crest of Little Round Top
Looking from the base of the 12th / 44th New York Monument down the slope to the 16th Michigan Monument. The Devil's Den is seen in the distance beyond the monument.
Photographed by Craig Swain, November 11, 2008
5. Breastworks of the 16th Michigan
Looking from the right flank towards a section of the breastworks built by the regiment.
Photographed by Craig Swain, November 11, 2008
6. Left Flank of the 16th Michigan
The left flank of the 16th Michigan, represented here by a flank marker stone, connected with the 44th New York Infantry.
Photographed by Craig Swain, July 24, 2008
7. Right Flank of the 16th Michigan
The 16th's right flank, represented here by a flank marker stone, was initially anchored here, but not tied into any supporting units. The Confederates forces moving up from the valley below were able to take advantage of this opening of the lines and gain some purchase on Little Round Top. Some in the 16th Michigan fell back to higher ground, but were rallied by Col. Strong Vincent. He received a mortal wound while urging the Michigan soldiers forward.
Photographed by Craig Swain, November 11, 2008
8. Monument and Right Flank Marker Stone
The right flank marker stone has a small American flag next to it in this view. In the background is Big Round Top. The 16th Michigan was initially posted as the right flank of Vincent's Brigade. This open flank was exploited by Confederates, but held firm. When the 140th New York and other units arrived, they dressed on the 16th Michigan to extend the line further to the north along Little Round Top.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 4, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,425 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on January 4, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
