The 3rd Corps, 2nd Division, 2nd Brigade was also known as Brewster’s Brigade. During the battle of Gettysburg, it served as a member of Humphrey’s Division in the Third 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
THIRD CORPS SECOND DIVISION
SECOND BRIGADE
Col. William R. Brewster
70th 71st 72D 73D 120th New York Infantry
July 2. Arrived about 1 A. M. and bivouacked for the night. Near 1 P. M. formed in rear of First Brigade the 73D being advanced to the crest of the hill in front. The Brigade advanced between 2 and 3 P. M. the 71st and 72D to the left of First Brigade the 70th and 120th in reserve. Later the 73D was sent to the support of First Brigade First Division. Fiercely attacked toward sunset and the forces on the left having fallen back the Brigade retired and after sunset again advanced and captured the colors of the 8th Florida and thirty prisoners and recaptured guns that had been left on the field. Again retired and formed in rear of a Brigade of Second Corps and bivouacked for the night.
July 3. Moved further to the rear and was supplied with rations and ammunition. About 3 P. M. moved to support batteries in front.
Casualties Killed 12 Officers 120 Men Wounded 50 Officers 523 Men Captured or Missing 73 Men Total 778
When was this photograph taken? February 6, 2009.
Where is it located? Located Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325. Located on East side of North side of Sickles Avenue at Excelsior Field, North of Wheatfield Road.
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 William Root Brewster (July 27, 1828 – December 13, 1869) was an officer in the Union Army during the American Civil War who commanded a regiment in the famed Excelsior Brigade of the Army of the Potomac. He later commanded the brigade, including at the Battle of Gettysburg where Brewster and his men were overrun by Confederates while defending the Emmitsburg Road position of the ACW not far from the Peach Orchard.
After Action Report: After Action Report of Col. William R. Brewster (will open a pop up window).
Third Corps, AOP at Gettysburg
Third Army Corps – Artillery Brigade – First Division – First Brigade – Second Brigade – Third Brigade – Second Division – First Brigade – Second Brigade – Third Brigade
