Cumberland Township near Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Second Brigade
Second Division - Fifth Corps
— Army of the Potomac —
Photographed By Craig Swain, November 11, 2008
1. Second Brigade, Second Division, Fifth Corps Tablet
The Maltese Cross of Fifth Corps is at the top of the tablet.
Fifth Corps Second Division
Second Brigade
Col. Sidney Burbank
2d (6 Cos.) 7th. (4 Cos.) 10th. (3 Cos.)
11th. (6 Cos.) 17th. (7 Cos.) U.S. Infantry
July 2 Arrived early in the morning and formed on the right of Twelfth Corps afterwards crossed Rock Creek and remained near the Baltimore Pike until late in the day then moved with the Division to the north slope of Little Round Top and soon advanced across Plum Run Valley supported by First Brigade and formed line on the hill beyond facing the Wheatfield through which First Division Second Corps was forcing the Confederate forces perpendicular to the line of the Brigade later advanced on the left of First Division Second Corps and the First Brigade in support when the Union forces on the right and front having been forced back by superior numbers the two Brigades retired in good order but with great loss under a heavy musketry fire on its front and flank to Little Round Top and in the evening to the woods on the other side in reserve.
July 3 Remained in the same position until the close of the battle.
Casualties. Killed 7 officers 71 men. Wounded 32 officers 310 men. Captured or missing 27 men.
Total 447 out of a strength of 900 muskets.
Erected 1912 by Gettysburg National
this page online
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° 47.71′ N, 77° 14.483′ W. Marker is near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Adams County. It is in Cumberland Township. Marker is on Ayres Avenue, on the right when traveling west. Located off a loop in Ayres Avenue near the Wheatfield and Day's Hill, 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. 13th Pennsylvania Reservers (here, next to this marker); Seventh U.S. Infantry (a few steps from this marker); Tenth U.S. Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker); Second U.S. Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker); 5th New Hampshire Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker); Eleventh U.S. Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker); Fourth U.S. Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker); First Brigade (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gettysburg.
Also see . . . Report of Col. Sidney Burbank. Col. Burbank offers perhaps the most detailed report of the actions by the two U.S. Regulars brigades in action. In discussing the increasing
Photographed By Craig Swain, November 11, 2008
2. Second Brigade Tablet in Front of the Pennsylvania Reserves Monument
As soon as this position was obtained, a volley was fired, but there appearing to be no fire on our front, our firing ceased; but at this moment a heavy fire was opened on our right flank, and as I proceeded to make a disposition of the troops to meet this attack, I received orders to retire my brigade. The enemy was seen at this time moving through a wheat-field to our rear, and the brigade was withdrawn as rapidly and in as good order as the nature of the ground would permit. In doing so, however, the troops were exposed to a heavy fire on both flanks, and the loss of officers and men was very severe. (Submitted on January 24, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 24, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 862 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 24, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
