The First Volunteer Brigade was also known as McGilvery’s Brigade. During the battle of Gettysburg, it served as a member of the Artillery Reserve, Army of the Potomac. The brigade is honored by two monuments, one on the Wheatfield Road and one on South Hancock Avenue.
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. Marks July 2, 1863 position in the Excelsior Field.
How is it inscribed? The monument reads,
ARMY OF THE POTOMAC
ARTILLERY RESERVE
FIRST VOLUNTEER BRIGADE
Lieut. Col. Freeman McGilvery
5th Mass. Battery E
(10th New York Battery Attached)
Capt. Charles Phillips
9th Mass. Battery
Capt. John Bigelow Lieut. Richard S. Milton
15th NewYork Battery
Capt. Patrick Hart
Batteries C and F Penna.
Capt. James Thompson
July 2. Went into action at 3.30 P. M. on this road Batteries C and F Penna. on the right in the Peach Orchard line facing west. About 5 P. M. opened and repulsed a heavy column of infantry charging the Brigade. About 6 P. M. the Confederates gained position on the left and the infantry fell back leaving the artillery without support. Four batteries fell back 250 yards and renewed their fire. Battery B 1st New Jersey and 15th New York Battery retired from the field. The advanced line of the 3rd Corps having been abandoned the Artillery Brigade took up a new position 400 yards in the rear and opened on the enemy with canister and at 8 P. M. retired to the battle line of the army.
When was this photograph taken? February 6, 2009.
Where is it located? Located Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325. Located on North side of Wheatfield Road at Excelsior Field.
Is this monument located along the NPS Auto Tour route? Yes.
Has this monument been moved or changed? This monument has not been moved or materially altered.
Monument Details, Alternative Views, and Contextual Views
Secondary Monuments and Markers
Monument Title: Second War Department Tablet. Denotes position on July 3.
Photographed: September 18, 2009.
Location: South Hancock Avenue. Located West side of Hancock Avenue near United States Avenue. This monument is denoted on the RED pushpin.
Description: One of 74 brigade monuments erected at Gettysburg by the War Department. The pedestals consist of sea-green granite with a square 36” x 36” base; they weigh 3500 pounds. On each pedestal is mounted a bronze tablet with rounded corners weighing 300 pounds. Bronze inscription tablet, 4”0’ x 3’8”, attached to slant face of polished sea green granite monolith. 3’0” squared base of monument tapers to a smaller dimension at the tablet. All 5’4” H.
Inscription: Text is as follows:
ARMY OF THE POTOMAC
ARTILLERY RESERVE
FIRST VOLUNTEER BRIGADE
Lieut. Col. Freeman McGilvery
5th Mass. Battery E (10th New York Attached)
Capt. Charles A. Phillips
July 2. Engaged on Third Corps line on the Wheatfield Road.
9th Mass. Battery
Capt. John Bigelow Lieut. Richard S. Milton
July 2. Engaged on Third Corps line on the Wheatfield Road.
July 3. In Ziegler’s Grove.
15th New York Battery
Capt. Patrick Hart
July 2. Engaged on Third Corps line on the Wheatfield Road.
July 3. On Second Corps line south of Pleasonton Avenue.
Penna. Batteries C and F
Capt. James Thompson
July 2. Engaged in Peach Orchard.
July 3. On line with Battery K 4th U. S. on right and Hart’s Battery on left.
Casualties Killed 1 Officer 16 Men Wounded 10 Officers 61 Men Captured or Missing 5 Men Total 93
At Gettysburg
Commander: Lt. Col. Freeman McGilvery (October 17, 1823 – September 3, 1864) was a United States Army artillery officer during the American Civil War. He gained fame at the Battle of Gettysburg for taking the initiative to piece together a line of guns that greatly contributed to the Union victory.
After Action Report: After Action Report of Lieut. Col. Freeman McGilvery (will open a pop up window).
Artillery Reserve, AOP at Gettysburg
