The 6th Corps, 3rd Division, 1st Brigade was also known as Shaler’s Brigade. During the battle of Gettysburg, it served as a member of Newton’s Division in the Sixth 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
SIXTH CORPS THIRD DIVISION
FIRST BRIGADE
Brig. Gen. Alexander Shaler
65th 67th 122D NewYork
23D 82D Pennsylvania Infantry
July 2. Arrived about 2 P. M. from Manchester Md. and late in the day moved to the northeast slope of Little Round Top and held in reserve bivouacking for the night near Taneytown Road in rear of Second Brigade.
July 3. Ordered to the left and at 8 A. M. to the right to the support of Second Division Twelfth Corps. Took position in rear of woods on Culp’s Hill beyond which action was progressing and was engaged under command of Brig. Gen. J. W. Geary from 9 until 11 A. M. when the original line of the Twelfth Corps was regained. At 3 P. M. returned and under terrific fire of artillery was ordered by Major Gen. G. G. Meade to remain in rear of Third Corps and to report to Major Gen. J. Newton. At 7 P. M. moved half a mile to the right in reserve and remained during the night. Rejoined the Division the next morning.
Casualties Killed 1 Officer 14 Men Wounded 3 Officers 53 Men Captured or Missing 3 Men Total 74
When was this photograph taken? June 3, 2010.
Where is it located? Located Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325. Located on Slocum Avenue, south end.
Is this monument located along the NPS Auto Tour route? Located on extended tour route that includes Culp’s Hill.
Has this monument been moved or changed? This monument has not been moved or materially altered.
Monument Details, Alternative Views, and Contextual Views
At Gettysburg
Commander: Brig. Gen. Alexander Shaler (March 19, 1827–December 28, 1911) was a Union Army general in the American Civil War. He received the United States military’s highest decoration, the Medal of Honor, for his actions at the Second Battle of Fredericksburg. After the war, he was at various times the head of the New York City Fire Department, president of the National Rifle Association, and mayor of Ridgefield, New Jersey. More about this officer.
After Action Report: After Action Report of Brig. Gen. Alexander Shaler (will open a pop up window).
Additional Reading and Resources (Available thru Amazon.com): Shaler’s Brigade. Survivors Of The Sixth Corps. Reunion And Monument Dedications, At Gettysburg, June 12th, 13th And 14th, 1888
Sixth Corps, AOP at Gettysburg
Sixth Army Corps – Artillery Brigade – First Division – First Brigade – Second Brigade – Third Brigade – Second Division – Second Brigade – Third Brigade – Third Division – First Brigade – Second Brigade – Third Brigade
