The 5th Corps, 2nd Division, 2nd Brigade was also known as Burbank’s Brigade. During the battle of Gettysburg, it served as a member of Ayres’ Division in the Fifth 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
FIFTH CORPS SECOND DIVISION
SECOND BRIGADE
Col. Sidney Burbank
2D (6 Cos.) 7th (4 Cos.) 1Oth (3 Cos.)
11th (6 Cos.) 17th (7 Cos.) U. S. Infantry
July 2. Arrived in the morning and formed on the right of Twelfth Corps afterwards crossed Rock Creek and remained near the Baltimore Pike until late in the day then moved with the Division to the north slope of ottle Round Top and soon advanced across Plum Run Valley supported by First Brigade and formed line on the hill beyond facing the Wheatfield through which First Division Second Corps was forcing the Confederate forces perpendicular to the line of the Brigade later advanced on the left af First Division Second Corps and the First Brigade in support when the Union forces on the right and front having been forced back by superior numbers the two Brigades retired in good order but with great loss under a heavy musketry fire on its front and flank to Little Round Top and in the evening to the woods on the other side in reserve.
July 3. Remained in the same position until the close of the battle.
Casualties Killed 7 Officers 71 Men Wounded 32 Officers 310 Men Captured or Missing 27 Men Total 447 out of a strength of 900 muskets
When was this photograph taken? February 8, 2009.
Where is it located? Located Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325. Located on North side of Ayres Avenue
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
At Gettysburg
Commander: Colonel Sidney Burbank (1807 – December 7, 1882) served as an officer in the regular army before and during the American Civil War. For a time he led a brigade in the Army of the Potomac.
After Action Report: After Action Report of Col. Sidney Burbank (will open a pop up window).
Fifth Corps, AOP at Gettysburg
Fifth Army Corps – Artillery Brigade – First Division – First Brigade – Second Brigade – Third Brigade – Second Division – First Brigade – Second Brigade – Third Brigade – Third Division – First Brigade – Third Brigade
