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

Sacrifice of the 16th Maine

July 1, Afternoon

Photographed By Karl Stelly, May 22, 2023

1. Sacrifice of the 16th Maine Marker

Inscription. For much of the afternoon, Union soldiers tenaciously defended Oak Ridge from repeated Confederate assaults. By 4:00 pm, with no help in sight, the Federal troops were forced to fall back to Cemetery Hill, the high ground beyond the town in front of you. The 298 men of the 16th Maine were ordered, alone, to hold their position as long as there was a soldier left. Every man knew this meant death or capture.

The Mainers stubbornly held their ground here until forced back to the railroad cut where they were surrounded. Colonel Charles Tilden thrust his sword into the ground, breaking it at the hilt, while the regiment shredded their beloved colors, keeping them out of enemy hands. All but 57 men were captured, killed, or wounded during the battle. Their determined stand bought time for others to retreat.

Erected 2023 by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Topics. This memorial is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is July 1, 1863.

Location. 39° 50.643′ N, 77° 14.515′ W. Marker is near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Adams County. It is in Cumberland Township. Memorial is on Doubleday Avenue, on the left when traveling south. Marker is located at Auto Tour Stop 3, right next to the Oak Ridge

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Observation Tower. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 104 Doubleday Ave, 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. 90th Pennsylvania Volunteers (within shouting distance of this marker); 12th Massachusetts Volunteers (within shouting distance of this marker); 16th Maine Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker); John Cleveland Robinson (within shouting distance of this marker); 88th Pennsylvania Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker); 104th New York Infantry (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); 88th Pennsylvania Volunteers (about 300 feet away); 83rd New York Infantry (9th Regiment N.Y.S.M.) (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gettysburg.

Additional commentary.
1.
This new marker replaces the old marker at this location, which was entitled “End of the First Day.”

— Submitted May 22, 2023, by Karl Stelly of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

Fragment of the colors of the 16th Maine image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Karl Stelly, May 22, 2023

2. Fragment of the colors of the 16th Maine

Photo caption at lower left of marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Karl Stelly, May 22, 2023

3. Photo caption at lower left of marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 26, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 22, 2023, by Karl Stelly of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 61 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 22, 2023, by Karl Stelly of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.