Cumberland Township near Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Second Brigade
Third Division - Second Corps
— Army of the Potomac —
Photographed By Craig Swain, September 17, 2008
1. Second Brigade Tablet
Note the trefoil of the II Corps at the top of the tablet.
Second Corps Third Division
Second Brigade
Col. Thomas A. Smyth
Lieut. Col. Francis E. Pierce
14th. Connecticut, 1st. Delaware
12th. New Jersey, 10th. 108th. New York Infantry
July 2 Took position early in the morning along a stone fence on Cemetery Ridge at the left of Ziegler's Grove supporting Battery I 1st U.S. on the right. Sharp skirmishing during the day and Artillery firing at intervals in the afternoon. At night the line of the Brigade was extended to the Angle to cover the portion previously occupied by the Third Brigade.
July 3 In the afternoon the Bliss Barn having been occupied by the Confederate sharpshooters the 14th Conn. by order of Brig. Gen. A. Hays recaptured and burned the barn. At 1 p.m. a terrific cannonade was opened by the Confederates in front which continued for two hours followed by a charge of the Divisions of Major Gen. Pickett, Brig. Gen. Pettigrew and Major Gen. Pender which was repulsed by the Brigade reinforced by the Third Brigade. More than 1,200 prisoners and 9 stand of colors were captured by the Brigade.
July 4 The Brigade remained in position until the close of the battle with sharp skirmishing during the day.
Casualties Killed 6 Officers 55 Men. Wounded 34 Officers 245 Men. Captured or missing 1 officer 25 men.
this page online
Erected 1912 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° 48.844′ N, 77° 14.114′ 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 near 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. 39th New York Infantry (Garibaldi Guards) (a few steps from this marker); Major General George G. Meade (a few steps from this marker); 14th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker); 11th Independent (Havelock) Battery (within shouting distance of this marker); Major General George Gordon Meade (within shouting distance of this marker); Second Corps (within shouting distance of this marker); 1st Company Massachusetts Sharpshooters (within shouting distance of this marker); Battery K, 1st N.Y. Light Artillery (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gettysburg.
Also see . . . Report of Col. Thomas A. Smyth
Photographed By Craig Swain, September 17, 2008
2. 39th New York Monument and Second Brigade Tablet
My men were directed to reserve their fire until the foe was within 50 yards, when so effective and incessant was the fire from my line that the advancing enemy was staggered, thrown into confusion, and finally fled from the field, throwing away their arms in their flight. Many threw themselves on the ground to escape our destructive fire, and raised their hands in token of surrender. (Submitted on December 29, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Photographed By Craig Swain, February 21, 2009
3. Second Brigade Tablet and 39th New York Infantry Monument
Photographed By Craig Swain, September 17, 2008
4. Second Brigade at the Stone Wall
Looking from the 14th Connecticut's monument to the north along Hancock Avenue. The stone wall which featured so prominently in Second Brigade's defense is on the left side of the road. The Brigade's front included the 14th Connecticut (here), with the 1st Delaware in the center, then the 12th New Jersey. On the right of the 12th NJ stood the 111th New York of Third Brigade. Beyond the Brian Farm (white buildings in the background) was the 108th New York.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 29, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 972 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 29, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 3. submitted on March 29, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 4. submitted on December 29, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
