5th New York Cavalry
Posted to the Project on 03 Oct 07
One of the least accessible monuments at Gettysburg belongs to the 5th New York Cavalry. The 11 companies were raised from New York City and the counties of Essex and Tioga. Known as the “First Ira Harris Guard,” Company I was in Washington during the battle.
The back of this monument features a plaque detailing the unit’s service. The front contains an excellent relief carving of a calvary man mounted upon his horse. The New York seal is also featured.
The monument is stained green from the trees around it. It is nearly impossible to keep it clean for a long time.
One of the circa 1890s bronze Park Service signs points out the single track path to this monument and an associated battery of United States artillery (E - 4th US Horse). The path takes the visitor back through the woods and up part of Big Round Top. This monument is probably one of the least visited at Gettysburg.
The commander of the 5th New York Cavalry at Gettysburg was Maj. John Hammond (1827-1889), a iron manufacutuer in Crown Point who later served in Congress during 1879 to 1883.
5th New York Cavalry
Cavalry Corps, 3rd Division, 1st Brigade
Maj. John Hammond (1827-1889)
Engaged: 468; 1 killed, 1 wounded, 4 missing
Monument: knoll southwest of Big Round Top. Accessible via South Confederate Avenue
October 3rd, 2007 at 3:05 pm
Jenny,
Not to be obnoxious, but neither Elder’s guns nor the 5th NY Cavalry monuments are located on BRT. In fact, they are situated on what some call Bushman’s Hill, or others (specifically, Gary Kross) call the 100-foot hill. It sits a bit south and west of BRT.
Eric
May 8th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Hammond’s second in command there was Capt. Wm. P. Bacon of New Britain, CT. Bacon commanded the 5th for a short time as Lt. Col. before he left the service in 1864 upon the expiration of his term of enlistment to get married. His brother Theo was at G’burg also. Having served first in the 2nd CT Vol. Inf’y for thirty days, he served along side William as an officer in the 5th NY Cav. Shortly before G’burg, Will left the 5th and joined Buford’s staff as adjutant. I wonder of either knew of the other’s presence on the field that day.