Draw the Sword

Sweitzer’s Brigade

Location: De Trobriand Avenue, the Wheatfield

Order of Battle: 5th Corps, 1st Division, 2nd Brigade

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.

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

Dedication Date: ca. 1912.

Main Inscription: 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

Other Monuments and Memorials: None.

Supplemental Materials: After Action Report of Col. Jacob B. Sweitzer (will open a pop up window).