Cumberland Township near Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
First Brigade
Second Division, Third Corps
— Army of the Potomac —
Third Corps Second Division
First Brigade
Brig. Gen. Joseph B. Carr
1st. 11th. 16th. Massachusetts
12th. New Hampshire 11th. New Jersey
26th. 84th. Pennsylvania Infantry
July 2 Arrived around 1 a.m. and bivouacked for the night. Early in the afternoon formed line on the right of the Division connecting with Second Corps on the right. Between 3 and 4 p.m. advanced 300 yards to the Emmitsburg Road connecting with First Division. The Brigade with the support of 5th New Jersey on the left and 15th Mass. and 82d New York on the right held the front line, Second Brigade in reserve, until the line on the left gave way when the Brigade with the Division changed front to the left. The Brigade then retired with the Corps by order of Major Gen. D.B. Birney commanding to the main line in the rear where it formed and forced back the pursuing forces regained the lost ground capturing many prisoners and held the position until morning.
July 3 The Confederate Artillery opened fire at daylight which continued over an hour. At 6 a.m. the Brigade was ordered to join the Corps in the rear and then to support the Fifth Corps and at 3 p.m. to support the Second Corps. The Brigade lying in close column suffered severely from the Artillery fire.
Casualties. Killed 10 officers 111 men. Wounded 45 officers 559 men. Captured or missing 2 officers 63 men. Total 790.
Erected 1912 by Gettysburg National Military Park Commission.
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° 48.455′ N, 77° 14.659′ W. Marker is near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Adams County. It is in Cumberland Township. Marker is on Sickels Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Located near the Klingle House 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. Batteries F & K, Third U.S. Artillery (within shouting distance of this marker); Second Division (within shouting distance of this marker); Wisconsin Sharpshooters (within shouting distance of this marker); 11th Massachusetts Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker); 5th New Jersey Volunteers (within shouting distance of this marker); Andrew Atkinson Humphreys (within shouting distance of this marker); Site of the Rogers House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 16th Massachusetts Volunteers (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gettysburg.
Also see . . . Reports of Brig. Gen. Joseph B. Carr. General Carr summarized the afternoon fighting of July 2 in his report:
At 4.08 p.m., by order of General Humphreys, I advanced my line 300 yards to the crest of a hill, and at the same time detailed 100 men from the Sixteenth Massachusetts Volunteers to occupied an old building, situated in an orchard on the left of my line. This detail perforated the house in several places, and materially aided in checking the advance of the enemy. My left first became engaged, and its position was held until the regiment on my left (the Collis Zouaves, of the First Division) gave way, when the enemy advanced in considerable force on my left flank, which compelled me to change my front; but no sooner was it accomplished than the enemy made his appearance on my right flank, pouring in a most destructive cross-fire.
Notwithstanding my apparent critical position, I could and would have maintained my position but for an order received direct from Major-General Birney, commanding the corps, to fall back to the crest of the hill in my rear. At that time I have no doubt that I could have charged on the rebels and driven them in confusion, for my line was still perfect and unbroken, and my troops in the proper spirit for the performance of such a task. In retiring, I suffered a severe loss in killed and wounded. (Submitted on March 26, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 26, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 744 times since then and 6 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 26, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.