Cumberland Township near Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Hold to the Last
Gettysburg National Military Park
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 17, 2023
1. Hold to the Last Marker
July 2, 4:30 pm
Responding to the crisis at Little Round Top, and without waiting for approval from his commanding officer, Union Colonel Strong Vincent, "took responsibility of taking my brigade there. "Riding ahead of his troops, he ascended this hill and selected the ground where his brigade would make its defense. Vincent personally placed each of his four regiments.
Where you now stand, he entrusted his left flank to Colonel Joshua L. Chamberlain's 20th Maine. Vincent's brigade was assaulted by Confederate regiments from Texas and Alabama. A desperate battle ensued across across the entire brigade front. The line held, but the cost was high, including Vincent, who was mortally wounded.
Erected 2024 by National Park Service.
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° 47.433′ N, 77° 14.183′ W. Marker is near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Adams County. It is in Cumberland Township. It is on Sykes Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Marker is located at tour stop 8. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Gettysburg PA 17325, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in South-Central Pennsylvania. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: "Hold The Ground At All Hazards" (a few steps from this marker); Third Brigade
this page online
Other markers no longer nearby. The Tenacious 20th Maine (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Historic Breastworks (was about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been permanently removed).
More about this marker. The background of the marker contains a picture of Chamberlain, Vincent, and the 20th Maine on Little Round Top. It has a caption of "Vincent, using a riding crop, indicates to Chamberlain the area that his 20th Maine is moving at the double-quick, while Confederate artillery fire bursts around them."
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 17, 2023
2. Marker on Little Round Top
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 17, 2023
3. Hold to the Last Marker
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 17, 2023
4. Strong Vincent Monument
This monument, located not far from the marker, indicates the spot where Col. Vincent was mortally wounded.
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, April 17, 2023
5. Monument to the 20th Maine
This monument is located on the position that the 20th Maine fought.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 21, 2024, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 370 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on October 21, 2024, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
