Cumberland Township near Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Cavalry Buys Time
July 1, 1863 - First Day
Brig. Gen. John Buford, U.S.A.
Cavalry Corps, 1st Division
Cavalry soldiers traditionally fought on horseback, but by 1863 they were also fighting on foot. Although the infantryman's rifle-musket was more deadly at long range than the cavalryman's carbine, dismounted cavalry could effectively harass and delay foot soldiers.
Along this ridge (to your left and right), the Union cavalry of Brig. Gen. John Buford's Division held off the attacking Confederate infantry of Brig. Gen. Joseph R. Davis on the morning of July 1. When the pressure became too great, the troopers fell back to the ridge in front of you.
General Buford's cavalry slowed the attacking Confederates for two critical hours, time enough for the Union infantry to arrive on the battlefield.
Erected by Gettysburg National Military Park.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is July 1, 1863.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 39° 50.736′ N, 77° 14.781′ W. Marker was near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Adams County. It was in Cumberland Township. Marker was on Buford Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Located on the West Cavalry Battlefield section in Gettysburg National Military Park. Touch for map. Marker was 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 location. A Useless Slaughter (here, next to this marker); 9th New York Cavalry (within shouting distance of this marker); Second Brigade (within shouting distance of this marker); 6th New York Cavalry (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); 17th Pennsylvania Cavalry (about 700 feet away); Second Army Corps (approx. 0.2 miles away); 3rd West Virginia Cavalry (approx. 0.2 miles away); O'Neal's Brigade (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gettysburg.
More about this marker. On the upper center and right is painting captioned: Brig. Gen. John Buford and his Union cavalry take a stand on this ridge against Confederate infantry attacking from the west (behind you). Every fourth trooper held horses behind the line. Painting by Dale Gallon.
Below the painting is a wartime photograph of Troopers of the 3rd Indiana Cavalry about one year after the battle. Some of these men are survivors of the fight on this ridge. Typically, cavalry suffered fewer casualties than infantry.
This marker was replaced by a new one named "A Useless Slaughter" (see nearby markers).
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. First Day Cavalry Battlefield markers, monuments, and tablets
Additional commentary.
1. Photograph No. 3
The photograph of the 3rd Indiana Cavalry was taken sometime between June 1864 and March 1865 at the Petersburg battlefield where the 3rd also saw battle. They were at Appomattox for the surrender and in Washington for the parade of the troops for the President. The soldier on the far left is Sgt. Hiram S. Wiley (my great grandfather)who mustered in at the 3rd formation in Madison Indiana. I found this particularly personally interesting as “Oak Ridge” Tennessee is also my place of birth.
— Submitted March 1, 2024, by Michael robinson of Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 9, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 17, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,303 times since then and 47 times this year. Last updated on August 2, 2022, by Carl Gordon Moore Jr. of North East, Maryland. Photos: 1. submitted on January 17, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on July 17, 2016, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 7. submitted on January 17, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 8. submitted on August 28, 2015, by Brandon Fletcher of Chattanooga, Tennessee. 9, 10. submitted on January 17, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.