Draw the Sword

Greene’s Brigade

Location: North Slocum Avenue, Culp’s Hill

Order of Battle: 12th Corps, 2nd Division, 3rd Brigade

Commander: Brig. Gen. George Sears Greene (May 6, 1801 – January 28, 1899) was a civil engineer and a Union general during the American Civil War. He was part of the Greene family of Rhode Island, which had a distinguished military record for the United States. His greatest contribution during the war was his defense of the Union right flank at Culp’s Hill during the Battle of Gettysburg. As a civilian, he was a founder of the American Society of Civil Engineers and Architects and was responsible for numerous railroads and aqueduct construction projects in the northeastern United States.

Monument Specifications: Polished granite square base with bronze plaque affixed to front.

Dedication Date: ca. 1912.

Main Inscription: Reads,

ARMY OF THE POTOMAC
TWELFTH CORPS SECOND DIVISION
THIRD BRIGADE
Brig. Gen. George S. Greene
60th 78th 102D 137th 149th New York Infantry

July 1. Arrived about 5 P. M. and took position on the left of the First Corps on Cemetery ridge.

July 2. At 6 A. M. took position on Culp’s Hill on the right of the First Corps with Second Brigade on right. Breastworks were constructed. At 6.30 P. M. the First and Second Brigades were ordered to follow the First Division to support the left of the Army leaving the Brigade to occupy the entire Corps line. The 137th New York was moved into the position of the Second Brigade when the line was attacked by Major Gen. Johnson’s Division which made four distinct charges and at 8 P. M. occupied the works that the First Division had vacated but were successfully repulsed from the line held by the Brigade the 137th New York having changed front to face the attack. The Brigade was reinforced by about 750 men from the First and Eleventh Corps.

July 3. At daylight Major Gen. Johnson having been reinforced advanced and a fierce engagement ensued for seven hours when after suffering great losses he was forced back from the entire line.

Casualties Killed 6 Officers 61 Men Wounded 10 Officers 202 Men Captured or Missing 1 Officer 23 Men Total 303

Other Monuments and Memorials: None.

Supplemental Materials: After Action Report of Brig. Gen. George S. Greene (will open a pop up window).