Cumberland Township near Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Deadly Sharpshooters
Photographed By Karl Stelly, February 26, 2021
1. Deadly Sharpshooters Marker
Inscription.
Deadly Sharpshooters. . The brainchild of inventor Hiram Berdan, the United States Sharpshooters were an elite unit of marksmen. On July 2, 1863, approximately 100 soldiers of the 1st US Sharpshooters, supported by the 3rd Maine Infantry, entered these woods to determine the location of Confederate troops opposite the Union line on Cemetery Ridge. Encountering Confederates, the Sharpshooters quickly engaged them with deadly accuracy. With no advantage to be gained, they withdrew, but learned vital information: Confederates were massing on Seminary Ridge. (Caption on painting): Berdan's Sharpshooters fought in loose formations using cover and concealment to pick off their enemies from afar.
The brainchild of inventor Hiram Berdan, the United States Sharpshooters were an elite unit of marksmen. On July 2, 1863, approximately 100 soldiers of the 1st US Sharpshooters, supported by the 3rd Maine Infantry, entered these woods to determine the location of Confederate troops opposite the Union line on Cemetery Ridge. Encountering Confederates, the Sharpshooters quickly engaged them with deadly accuracy. With no advantage to be gained, they withdrew, but learned vital information: Confederates were massing on Seminary Ridge.
(Caption on painting): Berdan's Sharpshooters fought in loose formations using cover and concealment to pick off their enemies from afar.
Erected 2021 by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is July 2, 1863.
Location. 39° 48.45′ N, 77° 15.416′ W. Marker is near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Adams County. It is in Cumberland Township. Marker is on Berdan Avenue, on the right when traveling west. 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. 3rd Maine Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker); Company F, 1st U.S. Sharpshooters (within shouting distance of this
This view looks toward the northwest. The monument to Company F, 1st U.S. Sharpshooters can be seen in the background.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 14, 2021, by Karl Stelly of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 200 times since then and 36 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on March 14, 2021, by Karl Stelly of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
