1st Vermont Cavalry

The 1st Vermont Cavalry was raised from the counties of Chittenden, Addison, Bennington, Franklin, Lamoille, Orleans, Rutland, Washington, and Windham in November 1861.

It was a large regiment, numbering just under 700.

It’s commander at Gettysburg was Lt. Col. Addison W. Preston (1830-1864), a farmer from Danville. Preston was killed at the battle of Haw’s Shop on June 3, 1864.

The regimental monument is rather simple in design. It is located in the “D shaped field” on the Slyder Farm, west of Big Round Top (it can be viewed from a distance from Confederate Avenue). It was dedicated in October 1889.

The monument marks the position where the regiment fought in an ill-advised charge on July 3. Near this spot, General Elon J. Farnsworth was killed leading his brigade in that charge. Also nearby is a monument to Maj. William Wells, a Medal of Honor winner from this regiment.

1st Vermont Cavalry

Cavalry Corps, 3rd Division, 1st Brigade

Lt. Col. Addison W. Preston (1830-1864)

Engaged: 687; 13 killed, 25 wounded, 27 missing

Monument: Slyder Farm

Tags: Cavalry Corps, Confederate Avenue, Gettysburg, Monument Project, south cavalry, Vermont