The 5th Corps, 1st Division, 2nd Brigade was also known as Sweitzer’s Brigade. During the battle of Gettysburg, it served as a member of Barnes’ 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 FIRST DIVISION
SECOND BRIGADE
Col. Jacob B. Sweitzer
9th 32D Massachusetts 4th Michigan
62D Pennsylvania Infantry
July 2. After 2 P. M. moved from the Baltimore Pike near Rock Creek with the Division left in front to support of Third Corps line. Third Brigade was detached to occupy Little Round Top and the Brigade crossed Plum Run followed by First Brigade and went into position on the edge of woods west of the Wheatfield facing partly towards the Rose House First Brigade on the right. Brig. Gen. Kershaw’s Brigade supported by Brig. Gen. Semmes’ Brigade having attacked this position and First Brigade having retired the Brigade retired across the Wheatfield Road and formed on the north side of the woods facing the road when by order of Brig. Gen. J. Barnes the Brigade advanced to the support of First Division Second Corps and engaged Brig. Gen. Anderson’s Brigade at the stone wall at the south end of the Wheatfield but the supports on the right having given away the Brigade was attacked on the right and rear and it retired under a heavy fire to a line north of Little Round Top and there remained until the close of the battle.
Casualties Killed 6 Officers 61 Men Wounded 26 Officers 213 Men Captured or Missing 1 Officer 120 Men Total 427
When was this photograph taken? September 23, 2010.
Where is it located? Located Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325. Located on South side of DeTrobriand Avenue near the Wheatfield.
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 Jacob Bowman Sweitzer (July 4, 1821 – November 9, 1881) was a Pennsylvania lawyer and soldier who commanded a regiment and then a brigade in the Army of the Potomac in the American Civil War. He and his men were significantly engaged at the 1863 Battle of Gettysburg, where they reinforced and helped temporarily stabilize the Union defensive line on the second day of fighting.
After Action Report: After Action Report of Col. Jacob B. Sweitzer (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
