The Cavalry Corps, 1st Division, Reserve Brigade was also known as Merritt’s Brigade. During the battle of Gettysburg, it served as a member of Buford’s Division in the Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac.
About the Main Monument
When was it dedicated? Erected circa 1912.
What is it made out of? Foundation: Concrete. Monument: Polished smooth sea-green granite. Plaque: Bronze.
What size is it? 36′ by 36′ base. Weight: 300 Pounds. Height 5’4″. Tablet measures 4 feet by 3 feet 8 inches.
Who made it? Albert Russell & Sons Co. of Newburyport, Massachusetts. Erected by the United States War Department.
What does it depict? Monolith consisting of polished smooth sea-green granite pedestal with a square base. Base tapers to a smaller dimension at the tablet. On each pedestal is mounted a bronze inscription tablet describing the movements and actions of the unit.
What does it honor? One of 74 Union brigade monuments erected at Gettysburg by the United States War Department to describe the movements and itinerary of each Union brigade of the Army of the Potomac. The monuments were designed by E.B. Cope. Many of the inscription tablets were made of bronze melted down from Civil War cannons.
How is it inscribed? The monument reads,
ARMY OF THE POTOMAC
CAVALRY CORPS FIRST DIVISION
RESERVE BRIGADE
Brig. Gen. Wesley Merritt
6th Pennsylvania
1st 2D 5th 6th United States Cavalry
July 1. Engaged in picketing and patrolling the roads through the mountains detachments scouting the country about Hagerstown Cavetown and other points.
July 2. Marched to Emmitsburg Md.
July 3. At noon marched four miles on the road to Gettysburg met Confederate detachments and for more than a mile drove them from stone fences barricades and other positions being engaged four hours and until the operations were brought to a close by heavy rain. The 6th United States under Major S. H. Starr was detached and marched towards Fairfield to intercept a Confederate wagon train supposed to be in that vicinity but encountered a superior force and was compelled to fall back with heavy loss.
Casualties Killed 1 Officer 27 Men Wounded 12 Officers 104 Men Captured or Missing 6 Officers 268 Men Total 418
When was this photograph taken? December 8, 2011.
Where is it located? Located Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325. Located at triangular plot of South Cavalry Field, Emmitsburg Road.
Is this monument located along the NPS Auto Tour route? No.
Has this monument been moved or changed? This monument has not been moved or materially altered.
At Gettysburg
Commander: Brig. Gen. Wesley Merritt (June 16, 1836 – December 3, 1910) was a general in the United States Army during the American Civil War and the Spanish-American War. He is noted for distinguished service in the cavalry. More about this officer.
After Action Report: After Action Report of Brig. Gen. Wesley Merritt (will open a pop up window).
Cavalry Corps, AOP at Gettysburg
Cavalry Corps – 1st Artillery Brigade – 2nd Artillery Brigade – First Division – First Brigade – Second Brigade – Third Brigade – Second Division – First Brigade – Second Brigade – Third Brigade – Third Division – First Brigade – Second Brigade
