Geary’s Division served as a member of the Twelfth Corps in the Army of the Potomac.
About the Main Monument
When was it dedicated? Erected circa 1910.
What is it made out of? Foundation: Concrete. Monument: Granite. Plaque: Bronze.
What size is it? Seven foot tall monolith.
Who made it? Albert Russell & Sons Co. of Newburyport, Massachusetts. Erected by the United States War Department.
What does it depict? Monuments are rough-hewn monoliths, 4’2?x2?x7?H, consisting of Winnsboro, South Carolina granite. Bronze inscription tablet, 3’8?x3’6-3/4?, is affixed to the polished face of the monolith. Corps insignia, a bronze Maltese Cross, is excised & polished at top of tablet.
What does it honor? One of 22 Union division monuments that describe the movements and itinerary of each division of the Army of the Potomac. Designed by E. B. Cope.
How is it inscribed? The monument reads,
ARMY OF THE POTOMAC
TWELFTH CORPS
SECOND DIVISION
Brig. General John W. Geary
First Brigade Col. Charles Candy
Second Brigade Col. Geo. A. Cobham Jr.
Brig. Thos. L. Kane
Third Brigade Brig. Gen. Geo. S. Greene
July 1. Arrived on the Baltimore Pike and went into position about 5 P. M. the First and Third Brigades on the line from Cemetery Ridge to Little Round Top Second Brigade on the left of Baltimore Pike.
July 2. In the morning the First and Third Brigades took position on the right of First Corps on Culp’s Hill connecting with First Division on the right Breastworks were thrown up along the entire front. At 7 P. M. the First and Third Brigades on the Baltimore Pike moved off intending to support Third Corps. Brig. Gen. Greene extended the Third Brigade over the line of the Second Brigade refusing his right. Being reinforced by about 750 men from the left he held his position against the attacks of Johnson’s Confederate Division.
July 3. At 3 A. M. an attack by infantry and artillery was made on Johnson’s Division and after a contest of seven hours the Confederate forces were driven from their position losing heavily in killed wounded and prisoners also three battleflags and over 5,000 small arms.
Casualties Killed 12 Officers 96 Men Wounded 16 Officers 381 Men Captured or Missing 1 Officer 34 Men Total 540
When was this photograph taken? February 7, 2009.
Where is it located? Located Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325. Located west side of South Slocum Avenue, near Geary and Williams Avenues.
Is this monument located along the NPS Auto Tour route? Located on extended tour route that includes Culp’s Hill.
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. John White Geary (December 30, 1819 – February 8, 1873) was an American lawyer, politician, and a Union general in the American Civil War. He was the final alcalde and first mayor of San Francisco, California, a governor of the Kansas Territory, and the 16th governor of Pennsylvania. More about this officer.
After Action Report: After Action Report of Brig. Gen. John W. Geary (will open a pop up window).
Twelfth Corps, AOP at Gettysburg
Twelfth Army Corps – Artillery Brigade – First Division – First Brigade – Second Brigade – Third Brigade – Second Division – First Brigade – Second Brigade – Third Brigade
