Cumberland Township near Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
First Division
Cavalry Corps
— Army of the Potomac —
Photographed By Craig Swain, November 1, 2008
1. First Division, Cavalry Corps Tablet
Note the crossed sabers of the Cavalry Corps at the top of the tablet.
Cavalry Corps
First Division
Brig. General John Buford
First Brigade Col. Wm. Gamble
Second Brigade Col. Thos. C. Devin
Reserve Brigade Brig. Gen. Wesley Merritt
June 30 Arrived at Gettysburg at 11 a.m. as a detachment of Heth's Confederate Division was about to enter but it withdrew on the approach of the two Brigades of the Division. Gen. Buford deployed his Cavalry along the ridge east of Willoughby Run between the Mummasburg and Fairfield roads with pickets well advanced.
July 1 Was attacked between 8 and 9 a.m. by Heth's Division and Pegram's Artillery Battalion which were held in check until the arrival of First Corps. The Second Brigade picketed the approaches from the north and retarded the advance of Ewell's Corps until Eleventh Corps arrived. About 4 p.m. retreated to Cemetery Hill and formed on left of town and bivouacked for the night in front of Little Round Top extending pickets nearly to Fairfield.
July 2 Started in the morning for Westminster to guard Army Trains. The Reserve Brigade Cavalry Corps arrived about noon on the
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Casualties. Killed 1 officer 27 men. Wounded 12 officers 104 men. Captured or missing 6 officers 268 men. Total 418.
Erected 1910 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 June 29, 1863.
Location. 39° 50.109′ N, 77° 14.992′ W. Marker is near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Adams County. It is in Cumberland Township. Marker is on Reynolds Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Located on the First Day Battlefield, north of McPherson Woods, 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. First Brigade (a few steps from this marker); Battery L, 1st New York Light Artillery (within shouting distance of this marker); 1st Corps Headquarters (within shouting distance of this marker); "Forward Men" (within shouting distance of this marker); 8th Illinois Cavalry (within shouting distance of this marker); Fight Like the Devil (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); First Corps (about 400 feet away); Major Gen. John F. Reynolds (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gettysburg.
Also see . . .
Photographed By Craig Swain, November 1, 2008
2. First Division Tablet
On July 1, between 8 and 9 a.m., reports came in from the First Brigade (Colonel Gamble's) that the enemy was coming down from toward Cashtown in force. Colonel Gamble made an admirable line of battle, and moved off proudly to meet him. The two lines soon became hotly engaged, we having the advantage of position, he of numbers. The First Brigade held its own for more than two hours, and had to be literally dragged back a few hundred yards to a position more secure and better sheltered. (Submitted on January 11, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Photographed By Craig Swain, January 13, 2007
3. Morning Battleground
Looking west from Buford Avenue toward Herr's Ridge. Buford had his first and second brigades present at day one of the battle. While deployed on both sides of the Cashtown-Chambersburg Pike, it is only on the north side where one can appreciate the depth of Buford's morning delay. Buford's first line of pickets were as far forward as Marsh Creek, two miles west. The first main line of cavalry was posted along Herr's Ridge in the distance.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 11, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,128 times since then and 48 times this year. Last updated on July 31, 2022, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 11, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
