5th Maine Artillery, Battery “E”
Posted to the Project on 28 Aug 07
Today’s monument is located on “Steven’s Knoll” between East Cemetery Hill and Culp’s Hill.
Dedicated to the 5th Maine Artillery, Battery “E” this monument was dedicated on October 3, 1889. It stands just in front of the large equestrian monument to General Slocum. The monument’s main feature is the highly polished die made of red Beach granite. Red was chosen because it is the color of the artillery branch. Balanced on top of the die is a black granite cannonball of almost three feet in diameter — symbolic of a cannonball. The monument also features a “bas relief” of three artillerymen loading a Napolean cannon. The 5th Maine battery was made up of six 12 pound Napolean cannons and 136 men at Gettysburg.
The commander of the battery was Capt. Greenlieft T. Stevens (1831-1918). Stevens Knoll is named for him. Stevens was a graduate of Harvard and a lawyer prior to the Civil War. He was wounded in the July 2 fight. Lt. Edward N. Whittier (1840-1902) succeeded to command of the battery. Whittier was a future Medal of Honor winner (for the battle of Fisher’s Hill, Virginia).
There is an additional small marker to this artillery unit along Seminary Avenue.
5th Maine Artillery (Battery E)
Members of the 1st Corps Artillery Brigade
Commanded by: Capt. Greenlieft T. Stevens (1831-1918), Lt. Edward N. Whittier (1840-1902)
Numbered: 136; six 12 lbs Napolean guns; 3 killed, 13 wounded, 7 missing
Monument: Slocum Avenue, “Stevens Knoll.” Secondary marker along Seminary Avenue.