Gordon’s Brigade served as a member of Early’s Division in the Second Corps, Army of Northern Virginia. The brigade is honored by a monument and an advanced position tablet.
About the Main Monument
When was it dedicated? Erected circa 1910. The last monument was completed on December 19, 1910.
What is it made out of? Foundation: Concrete. Monument: Polished smooth red Maine granite. Plaque: Bronze.
What size is it? 3.8 feet x 3.4 feet diameter base. Height 5’4″. Tablet measures 4 feet by 3 feet 8 inches and weighs 300 pounds. Overall weight is 3000 pounds.
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 red Maine granite pedestal with a circular base. On each pedestal is mounted a bronze inscription tablet describing the movements and actions of the unit.
What does it honor? One of 64 Confederate brigade monuments. Designed by E. B. Cope and erected by the U.S. War Department. They indicate the general location of the centers of the various Confederate brigades and artillery battalions during several phases of the battle. Some of the tablets were made from melted down Civil War cannon. The tablets describe the itinerary and movements of each brigade.
How is it inscribed? The monument reads,
C. S. A.
ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA
EWELL’S CORPS EARLY’S DIVISION
GORDON’S BRIGADE
13th 26th 31st 38th 60th 61st Georgia Infantry
July 2. After participating in the operations of July 1st at Barlow Knoll and elsewhere it took position in the afternoon between the town and Rock Creek. When the assault was made at 8 P. M. on East Cemetery Hill the Brigade advanced to its support but was halted here because the expected reenforcements were unable to cooperate and it was evident that the assault would fail.
July 3. Remained here skirmishing with sharpshooters and exposed to artillery fire.
July 4. The Brigade was withdrawn and moved to Seminary Ridge. After midnight began the march to Hagerstown.
Present about 1500 Killed 71 Wounded 270 Missing 39 Total 380
When was this photograph taken? February 7, 2009.
Where is it located? Located Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325. East Confederate Avenue, south of East Middle Street, overlooking Culp Farm.
Is this monument located along the NPS Auto Tour route? No.
Has this monument been moved or changed? This monument has not been materially altered or moved.
Monument Details, Alternative Views, and Contextual Views
Secondary Monuments and Markers
Monument Title: Advanced Position Marker.
Photographed: February 6, 2009.
Location: Barlow Knoll, East Howard Avenue. This monument is marked on the map above by a RED pushpin.
Description: Iron tablet denotes advanced position of the brigade during the battle. Erected in 1906. Cast iron tablet, 3’8″ x 3’4″, with raised inscription painted in a contrasting color and mounted on fluted cast iron post. All 4’4″ H. Reads,
ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA
EWELL’S CORPS EARLY’S DIVISION
GORDON’S BRIGADE
13th 26th 31st 38th 60th 61st Georgia Infantry
July 1. Arrived on the field from Harrisburg road in early afternoon and formed line on North side of Rock Creek. About 3 P. M. moved across the creek to support of Rodes’ left which was attacked from Barlow Knoll. Charged the Union forces upon this hill and after a most obstinate resistance succeeded in breaking the line. The Brigade was afterwards moved to the support of Smith’s Brigade on the York Road. The Brigade captured a large number of prisoners during the day.
July 2. Moved to the railroad in support of Hays’ and Avery’s Brigades in their attack on Cemetery Hill.
July 3. Occupied the position at foot of Cemetery Ridge and not engaged.
July 4. At 2 A. M. the Brigade was withdrawn and moved to Cashtown Road.
Casualties Killed 71 Wounded 270 Missing 39 Total 380
At Gettysburg
Commander: Brig. Gen. John Brown Gordon (February 6, 1832 – January 9, 1904) was one of Robert E. Lee’s most trusted Confederate generals during the American Civil War. After the war, he was a strong opponent of Reconstruction and is thought by some to have been the titular leader of the Ku Klux Klan in Georgia during the late 1860s. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as a U.S. Senator from 1873 to 1880, and again from 1891-1897. He also served as the 53rd Governor of Georgia from 1886 to 1890. More about this officer.
After Action Report: After Action Report of Brig. Gen. J. B. Gordon (will open a pop up window).
Regiments
13th Georgia Infantry
Commander: Col. James M. Smith (1823-1890). Native of Twiggs County. Lawyer in Hall County. Severely wounded at Cold Harbor; retired to Confederate Congress. Governor of Georgia. Judge of the Chattahoochee Circuit of the Superior Court.
Strength: 312; 37 killed, 75 wounded, 25 missing.
Officers Killed at Gettysburg:
- Lt. R.W. Meacham, Company B
- Capt. Virgil T. Nunnally, Company G
Supplemental Materials: None.
26th Georgia Infantry
Commander: Col. Edmund N. Atkinson (1835-1884). Native of Marietta. Wounded at Fredericksburg.
Strength: 315; 2 killed, 13 wounded, 17 missing.
Officers Killed at Gettysburg:
- Lt. Charles L. Walker, Company F
Supplemental Materials: None.
31st Georgia Infantry
Commander: Col. Clement A. Evans (1833-1911). Native of Stewart County. Lawyer, judge, state senator. Rose to rank of general. Wounded five times. Evans County, Georgia, created on November 3, 1914, is named in Evans’ honor.
Strength: 252; 13 killed, 44 wounded, 8 missing.
Officers Killed at Gettysburg:
- Lt. T.J. Ferguson, Company A
- Lt. William B. Patterson, Company E
Supplemental Materials: None.
38th Georgia Infantry
Commander: Lt. Col. William L. McLeod (1842-1863). Native of Swainsboro. Killed in action on July 1.
Strength: 341; 18 killed, 62 wounded, 53 missing.
Officers Killed at Gettysburg:
- Lt. William F. Goodwin, Company F
- Capt. William L. McLeod, Company C
- Lt. John Oglesby, Company H
Supplemental Materials: None.
60th Georgia Infantry
Commander: Capt. Walters B. Jones. Sheriff in Troup County. Wounded at the Wilderness.
Strength: 299; 12 killed, 28 wounded, 19 missing.
Supplemental Materials: None.
61st Georgia Infantry
Commander: Col. John H. Lamar (1828-1864). Native of Macon where he was a planter. Killed in action at battle of Monocacy. Maj. Peter Brenan (1841-1863). Killed in action at Gettysburg.
Officers Killed at Gettysburg:
- Major Peter Brenan, Field Officer
- Lt. Stephen H. Rice, Company F
Strength: 288; 30 killed, 75 wounded, 6 missing.
Supplemental Materials: None.
Ewell’s Corps, ANV at Gettysburg
EWELL’S CORPS – Early’s Division – Gordon’s Brigade – Hays’ Brigade – Hoke’s Brigade – Smith’s Brigade – Jones’ Battalion – Johnson’s Division – Jones’ Brigade – Nicholls’ Brigade – Steuart’s Brigade – Walker’s Brigade – Latimer’s Battalion – Rodes’ Division – Daniel’s Brigade – Doles’ Brigade – Iverson’s Brigade – O’Neal’s Brigade – Ramseur’s Brigade – Carter’s Battalion – Artillery Reserve – Dance’s Battalion – Nelson’s Battalion
Georgia at Gettysburg
INFANTRY – 2nd Infantry – 2nd Battalion – 3rd Infantry – 3rd Sharpshooters – 4th Infantry – 7th Infantry – 8th Infantry – 9th Infantry – 10th Infantry – 11th Infantry – 12th Infantry – 13th Infantry – 14th Infantry – 15th Infantry – 16th Infantry – 17th Infantry – 18th Infantry – 20th Infantry – 21st Infantry – 22nd Infantry – 24th Infantry – 26th Infantry – 31st Infantry – 35th Infantry – 38th Infantry – 44th Infantry – 45th Infantry – 48th Infantry – 49th Infantry – 50th Infantry – 51st Infantry – 53rd Infantry – 59th Infantry – 60th Infantry – 61st Infantry – Cobb’s Legion – Phillips Legion :: CAVALRY – Cobb’s Legion – Phillips Legion :: ARTILLERY – Milledge – Pulaski – Sumter (Co. A, B, and C) – Troup
