The 2nd Brigade was also known as Custer’s Brigade. During the battle of Gettysburg, it served as a member of Kilpatrick’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 THIRD DIVISION
SECOND BRIGADE
Brig. Gen. George A. Custer
1st 5th 6th 7th (10 Cos.) Michigan Cavalry
June 30. Skirmished with Major Gen. Stuart’s Cavalry at Hanover. Supported Battery M 2D U. S.
July 1. Not engaged.
July 2. Engaged with Brig. Gen. Hampton’s Brigade of Major Gen. Stuart’s Cavalry at Hunterstown and with the aid of Battery M 2D U. S. forced it from the field. The 7th Michigan dismounted as skirmishers.
July 3. Marched to Two Taverns arriving at daylight and at 8 A. M. moved to the right under orders to report to Brig. Gen. D. McM. Gregg. Took position north of the Hanover road and West of the Low Dutch Road Second Division coming up and connecting on the left. Soon after noon was ordered to join the Division on the extreme left but about 2 P. M. Major Gen. Stuart’s Division and Brig. Gen. Jenkins’ Brigade of Cavalry having been discovered on the right and front Brig. Gen. Custer under orders from Brig. Gen. D. McM. Gregg turned back his Brigade and with First Brigade Second Division was immediately engaged with the Confederate forces which were repulsed and forced from the field. Late in the day moved to the extreme left and rejoined the Division.
Casualties Killed 1 Officer 31 Men Wounded 13 Officers 134 Men Captured or Missing 78 Men Total 257
When was this photograph taken? June 6, 2010.
Where is it located? Located Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325. Custer Avenue, East Cavalry Field.
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.
Monument Details, Alternative Views, and Contextual Views
At Gettysburg
Commander: Brig. Gen. George Armstrong Custer (December 5, 1839 – June 25, 1876) was a United States Army officer and cavalry commander in the American Civil War and the Indian Wars. Today he is most remembered for a disastrous military engagement known as the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Raised in Michigan and Ohio, Custer was admitted to West Point in 1858, where he was a low-ranked student. However, with the outbreak of the Civil War, all potential officers were needed, and Custer was called to serve with the Union Army.
After Action Report: After Action Report of Brig. Gen. George A. Custer (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
