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

First Brigade

Second Division - First Corps

— Army of the Potomac —

Photographed By Craig Swain, November 1, 2008

1. First Brigade, Second Division, First Corps Tablet

Note the circle or "moon" symbol of First Corps at the top of the tablet.

Inscription. Army of the Potomac
First Corps Second Division
First Brigade
Brig. Gen. Gabriel R. Paul,
Col. Samuel H. Leonard, Col. Adrian R. Root,
Col. Richard Coulter, Col. Peter Lyle
16th. Maine 13th. Massachusetts
94th. 104th. New York 107th. Penna. Infantry
July 1 Arrived about noon and went into position on the ridge near the Seminary and threw up breastworks. About half past 2 p.m. moved to the right of Corps in support of Second Brigade. Repulsed repeated attacks and was engaged until 4 p.m. then retired to Seminary Ridge and constructed breastworks.
The 11th. Penna. was transferred from Second Brigade.

July 2 About noon relieved by Third Division Second Corps and went to rear in support of Batteries on Cemetery Hill. At sunset moved to the left to support the Third Corps and returned to Cemetery Hill.

July 3 At 9 a.m. went to support of Twelfth Corps and at 3 p.m. to the left and took position on right of Second Corps in support of a Battery and there remained until the close of the battle.

Casualties Killed 2 officers 49 men. Wounded 36 officers 321 men. Captured or missing 40 officers 593 men. Total 1041.

Erected 1912 by Gettysburg National Military Park Commission.

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War, US Civil. A significant day of the year for for this entry is July 1.

Location. 39° 50.489′ N, 77° 14.573′ W. Marker is near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Adams County. It is in Cumberland Township. Marker is on Doubleday Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Located on the Oak Ridge section in 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. 16th Maine Infantry (a few steps from this marker); 94th New York Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker); 107th Pennsylvania Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker); 11th Pennsylvania Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker); 97th New York Infantry (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Second Brigade (about 400 feet away); 83rd New York Infantry (9th Regiment N.Y.S.M.) (about 500 feet away); Second Division (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gettysburg.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. First Brigade, Second Division, First Corps at Gettysburg

Also see . . . Reports of Col. Richard Coulter. The returns of Paul's Brigade one of the confusing stories of the battle. General Paul was terribly wounded

First Brigade Tablet along Doubleday Avenue image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, November 1, 2008

2. First Brigade Tablet along Doubleday Avenue

in the head (losing his sight). In turn command fell to Col. Leonard of the 13th Massachusetts (wounded) and Col. Root of the 94th New York (also wounded). Command was eventually passed to Col. Richard Coulter, of the attached 11th Pennsylvania (and the tablet also lists Col. Peter Lyle of the 90th Pennsylvania Infantry also from Baxter's Brigade). Col. Coulter made an understatement in his report writing, "This report is made under unfavorable circumstances...." (Submitted on January 18, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

Paul's Brigade Moves into Position image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, November 1, 2008

3. Paul's Brigade Moves into Position

Looking from Doubleday Avenue to the east out over Gettysburg. Paul's Brigade moved up behind the ridge line, along what is today the railroad line (which was not present at the battle). After deploying on line, the Brigade advanced to the crest of the ridge.

Paul's Brigade on Line image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, November 1, 2008

4. Paul's Brigade on Line

From the observation tower on Oak Ridge, looking south down Doubleday Avenue. Initially, Paul's Brigade dressed behind Baxter's Brigade, Second Division, First Corps (which was on line roughly along Doubleday Avenue, extending north just past the Mummasburg Road). To the south, in the woods, was Cutler's Brigade from First Division, First Corps. Paul's Brigade had the 94th New York, 107th Pennsylvania, and 16th Maine on a line along the ridge facing west. The 104th New York and 13th Massachusetts were deployed running off the ridge line, in a refuse, facing north. The refused line was based generally where the Monument to General Robinson stands today. Later Paul's Brigade replaced Baxter's on line, as the later ran low on ammunition.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 18, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 880 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 18, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.