Cumberland Township near Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

"I Thought My Men Were Invincible"

Photographed By Karl Stelly, March 19, 2022

1. "I Thought my Men were Invincible" Marker

Inscription. Confederate General Robert E. Lee gambled and lost. Pickett's Charge on July 3, a decisive defeat, ended three days of fighting. Total casualties of 51,000--23,000 Union and 28,000 Confederate--devastated both sides. Lee prepared for a Union attack on July 4, but none came. Casualties were high, supplies and ammunition low, so Lee's army retreated to Virginia.

The rain fell in blinding sheets matching the somber mood, as the 17-mile wagon train of supplies and wounded, escorted by General Imboden's Cavalry, pulled out. The rest of Lee's battered army trudged behind. No large-scale Union attack prevented the retreat, and on July 14 the Confederate Army was on Virginia soil. The Gettysburg Campaign was over, but the war continued on.

Erected 2022 by The 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 3, 1863.

Location. 39° 48.767′ N, 77° 14.9′ W. Marker is near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Adams County. It is in Cumberland Township. Marker can be reached from West Confederate Avenue, 1.1 miles south of West Middle Street (Pennsylvania Route 116). Marker is located at Auto Tour Stop 5. Follow the walking trail from the Virginia

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State Memorial for 625 feet to the spot known as the "Point of Woods." There is a wooden bench there, next to the marker. There is also an audio recording discussing the attack, but it is no longer operable. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Virginia Monument Cir, 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. The Storm of Battle (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Virginia Memorial (about 700 feet away); Ward's Battery - Poague's Battalion (approx. 0.2 miles away); Brooke's Battery - Poague's Battalion (approx. 0.2 miles away); Wright's Brigade (approx. 0.2 miles away); Garnett's Brigade (approx. 0.2 miles away); Army of Northern Virginia (approx. 0.2 miles away); Posey's Brigade (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gettysburg.

More about this marker. This new marker replaces the old marker at this location which was entitled "Lee's Shattered Army."

Photographed By Karl Stelly, March 19, 2022

2. "I Thought My Men Were Invincible" Marker

This is the view looking eastward from the marker. Directly ahead on Cemetery Ridge is "The Angle." To the left of that is the white Bryan barn. A little farther to the right is the "Copse of Trees."

Photographed By Karl Stelly, March 19, 2022

3. "I Thought My Men Were Invincible" Marker

A closer-in look at the painting

Photographed By Karl Stelly, March 19, 2022

4. "I Thought My Men Were Invincible" Marker

This view looks toward the southeast. Near the center in the distance is the Codori barn. A little off to the right of the barn is the white dome of the Pennsylvania State Memorial.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 21, 2022, by Karl Stelly of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 195 times since then and 23 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 21, 2022, by Karl Stelly of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.