Cumberland Township near Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Third Division
Second Corps
— Army of the Potomac —
Photographed By Craig Swain, September 17, 2008
1. Third Division Tablet
The trefoil of the Federal II Corps is above the tablet.
Second Corps
Third Division
Brig. General Alexander Hays
Second Brigade Col. Thos. A. Smyth, Lieut. Col. Francis E. Pierce
Third Brigade Col. Geo. L. Willard, Col. Eliakim Sherrill, Lieut. Col. Jas. M. Bull
July 2 About 8 a.m. took position on Cemetery Ridge relieving Second Division First Corps and at noon advanced to the stone wall in front. Late in the day the Third Brigade went to the support of Third Corps on the left and became engaged with Barksdale's Mississippi Brigade capturing many prisoners. At dark Col. Carroll with the 4th. Ohio, 7th West Virginia and 14th Indiana of First Brigade went to support of Eleventh Corps on East Cemetery Hill and remained until the close of the battle.
July 3 The Bliss Barn in front occupied by sharpshooters was burned by order of Gen. A. Hays. At 1 p.m. a heavy Artillery fire from the Confederate line was concentrated on the positions of Second and Third Divisions of the Corps for two hours followed by a charge of more than 15,000 Infantry which was repulsed with loss the Division capturing about 1500 prisoners and 15 stand of colors. The muskets found on the field after the charge numbered about 3,500.
July 4 Sharp skirmishing in front all day.
Casualties Killed 20 officers 218
this page online
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 July 2, 1863.
Location. 39° 48.908′ N, 77° 14.112′ W. Marker is near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Adams County. It is in Cumberland Township. Marker is on Hancock Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Located next to the Brian Farm Buildings on Cemetery Ridge, at 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. Third Brigade (a few steps from this marker); 12th Regiment New Jersey Volunteers (a few steps from this marker); 111th New York Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker); 11th Mississippi Infantry Regiment (within shouting distance of this marker); The Brian Farm (within shouting distance of this marker); 125th New York Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker); Pettigrew's Charge (within shouting distance of this marker); Skirmish Line of 2nd Regiment Delaware Volunteers (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gettysburg.
Also see . . . Reports of Brig. Gen. Alexander Hays
Photographed By Craig Swain, September 17, 2008
2. Third Division Tablet
I cannot believe there were less than eighty pieces bearing on us within good range. It was continued uninterruptedly until 4.30 o'clock, when a heavy column of the enemy moved forward in three lines, preceded by a strong line of skirmishers, debouched from the wood opposite our line. Their march was as steady as if impelled by machinery, unbroken by our artillery, which played upon them a storm of missiles. When within 100 yards of our line of infantry, the fire of our men could no longer be restrained. Four lines rose from behind our stone wall, and before the smoke of our first volley had cleared away, the enemy, in dismay and consternation, were seeking safety in flight. Every attempt by their officers to rally them was vain. In less time than I can recount it, they were throwing away their arms and appealing most piteously for mercy. The angel of death alone can produce such a field as was presented. (Submitted on December 25, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Photographed By Craig Swain
3. General Alexander Hays
After distinguished service in the Mexican-American War, Hays spent some time as a civil engineer. On the outbreak of war, he accepted command of the 63rd Pennsylvania. Wounded at the 2nd Manassas, he returned to duty commanding a brigade in II Corps. Just before the Gettysburg campaign he was promoted to division command. Later reverting back to command of a brigade, Hays was killed in action during the Battle of the Wilderness in May 1864.
(Brady-Handy Photograph Collection, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, Call Number LC-BH82- 4068 A <P&P>[P&P])
(Brady-Handy Photograph Collection, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division, Call Number LC-BH82- 4068 A <P&P>[P&P])
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 25, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 901 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 25, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
