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

Third Brigade

First Division - Second Corps

— Army of the Potomac —

Photographed By Craig Swain, November 11, 2008

1. Third Brigade, First Division, Second Corps

At the top of the tablet is the trefoil of Second Corps.

Inscription.
Army of the Potomac
Second Corps First Division
Third Brigade
Brig. Gen. Samuel K. Zook
Lieut. Col. John Fraser
52d. 57th. 66th. New York
140th. Pennsylvania Infantry
July 2 Arrived early in the morning and formed on right of Second Brigade on line from Cemetery Hill to Round Top. Between 5 and 6 p.m. advanced with Division to left and entered the Wheatfield and the woods on its right in line of battle forcing the Confederates through the field and the woods to the further end. Brig. Gen. Zook fell mortally wounded in this advance the Brigade being on the right of Division it extended to an open field on the west. The line of Third Corps on the Emmitsburg Road having been forced back and the Division having been flanked by superior forces on its right and left the Brigade retired with the Division and resumed position in line with Corps.

July 3 Constructed entrenchments and held the position until the close of the battle.

Casualties. Killed 7 officers 42 men. Wounded 18 officers 209 men. Captured or missing 4 officers 78 men. Total 358.

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°

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47.838′ N, 77° 14.708′ W. Marker is near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Adams County. It is in Cumberland Township. Marker is on Sickles Avenue, on the right when traveling west. Located at the "Loop" on Stony 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. 66th New York Infantry (a few steps from this marker); 5th Michigan Infantry (a few steps from this marker); Field Hospital of the 32nd Massachusetts Infantry (a few steps from this marker); The Irish Brigade (within shouting distance of this marker); 52nd New York Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker); 28th Massachusetts Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker); Second Brigade (within shouting distance of this marker); 140th Pennsylvania Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gettysburg.

Also see . . . Reports of Lieut. Col. John Fraser. Fraser did not know of Zook's death until after the fighting. In his official report he speaks of the confusing actions and conducting a fighting retreat off the field in the face of overwhelming enemy force:
I did not know at the time, nor until after the fight was over, that General Zook had been mortally wounded when leading the
Photographed By Craig Swain, November 11, 2008

2. Zook's Brigade Tablet
brigade into action. Inferring, from the large numbers of men who to the left of my regiment were continuously rushing to the rear, that a large portion of our division was actually retreating, I judged it necessary for the safety of those who had wheeled considerably into the enemy's ground to maintain my position and keep the enemy at bay as long as possible. I therefore held my position until I considered it necessary to order my men to march in retreat, which they did at first in good order, the four right companies halting several times, and firing, to check the pursuit of the enemy. (Submitted on January 30, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

Brigade Tablet and the 66th New York Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, November 11, 2008

3. Brigade Tablet and the 66th New York Monument

Brigadier General Samuel Zook image. Click for more information.

4. Brigadier General Samuel Zook

Before the war Zook worked in telegraphy, but was very active in the New York Militia. During the first half of the war, Zook served with distinction and earned the promotion to Brigadier General.

(Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA, Digital ID: cwpb 07291)
Click for more information.

Zook's Brigade on Stony Hill image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, November 11, 2008

5. Zook's Brigade on Stony Hill

Looking west across the loop as it curves through Stony Hill. Zook's Brigade deployed in a line across the hill, behind the Irish (Kelly's) Brigade during the later phases of the Wheatfield fighting. The position was eventually compromised by Confederate advances in the Wheatfield proper, to their left, and from the Peach Orchard, to their right.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 30, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 915 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 30, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 5. submitted on January 31, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.