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

An Unequal Contest

July 2, 4:00 pm

— Gettysburg National Military Park —

An Unequal Contest Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Karl Stelly, March 15, 2022

1. An Unequal Contest Marker

Inscription. Confederate artillery, here on Benner's Hill, anchored the left flank of the Confederate battle line. Confederate Major Joseph Latimer's 14 guns opened fire on Union positions on Cemetery Hill, one mile to your front. Union Colonel Charles Wainwright said it was, "the most accurate fire I have yet seen from their artillery." Forty-one Union guns returned heavy fire with a vengeance from Cemetery Hill; Culp's Hill to the far left; and Stevens' Knoll, midway between. For two hours this unequal contest continued, decimating the Confederate position—caissons exploded, guns were disabled, and gunners killed or wounded. Latimer's men returned fire as best they could, but were forced to withdraw.

(caption)
Major Joseph Latimer, 19, mortally wounded near the end of the day, died on August 1. One of his officers wrote Latimer, "was most gallant, showing the greatest coolness and bravery under the most trying circumstances."

Erected 2022 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° 49.658′ N, 77° 12.82′ W. Marker is near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Adams County. It is in Straban

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Township. Marker can be reached from Latimer Avenue, 0.1 miles south of Hanover Road (Pennsylvania Route 116), on the right when traveling south. Located on Benner's Hill. The park avenue here is also known as Latimer Avenue. 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. Carpenter's Battery - Latimer's Battalion (a few steps from this marker); Latimer's Battalion (within shouting distance of this marker); Brown's Battery - Latimer's Battalion (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Dement's Battery - Latimer's Battalion (about 300 feet away); Raine's Battery - Latimer's Battalion (about 500 feet away); Graham's Battery - Dance's Battalion (about 500 feet away); Milledge's Battery - Nelson's Battalion (about 800 feet away); Nelson's Battalion (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gettysburg.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Old Marker At This Location titled "Benner's Hill".

Also see . . . Gettysburg National Military Park. National Park Service (Submitted on April 22, 2022.)

Photographed By Karl Stelly, March 15, 2022

2. An Unequal Contest Marker

Photographed By Karl Stelly, May 2, 2022

3. An Unequal Contest Marker

This view from the marker looks toward the northwest.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 22, 2022, by Karl Stelly of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 123 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 22, 2022, by Karl Stelly of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. 3. submitted on May 4, 2022, by Karl Stelly of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.