The 11th Corps, 3rd Division, 1st Brigade was also known as Schimmelfenning’s Brigade. During the battle of Gettysburg, it served as a member of Schurz’s Division in the Eleventh 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
ELEVENTH CORPS THIRD DIVISION
FIRST BRIGADE
Brig. Gen. Alex Schimmelfennig
Col. George Von Amsberg
82D Illinois 45th 157th NewYork
61st Ohio 74th Pennsylvania Infantry
July 1. Arrived 1 P. M. and advanced to connect with the right of First Corps on Oak Hill but was met by heavy artillery and musketry fire and after being engaged between two and three hours and pressed closely upon the front and flank by superior numbers the Brigade was compelled to retire with the Corps at 4 P. M. through the town to Cemetery Hill. The streets and alleys of the town became congested with the mass of infantry and artillery and many were captured. The Brigade formed and took position on Cemetery Hill between the First and Second Divisions of the corps.
July 2. At 4 P. M. the Brigade was subjected to a heavy artillery fire converging on Cemetery Hill. At dark a sudden attack was made on the right and the Brigade was sent to the support of Brig. Gen. A. Ames and returned after midnight except the 74th Penna. which remained under the command of Brig. Gen. Ames.
July 3. Skirmishing not engaged.
Casualties Killed 8 Officers 50 Men Wounded 20 Officers 276 Men Captured or Missing 28 Officers 425 Men Total 807
When was this photograph taken? September 1, 2007.
Where is it located? Located Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325. Located in west section, south side of West Howard Avenue near Mummasburg Road.
Is this monument located along the NPS Auto Tour route? Located on the extended tour route that includes Barlow’s Knoll.
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. Alexander Schimmelfennig (July 20, 1824 – September 5, 1865) was a German soldier and political revolutionary, and then an American Civil War general in the Union Army. More about this officer.
After Action Report: After Action Report of Brig. Gen. Hector Tyndale (will open a pop up window).
Eleventh Corps, AOP at Gettysburg
Eleventh Army Corps – Artillery Brigade – First Division – First Brigade – Second Brigade – Second Division – First Brigade – Second Brigade – Third Division – First Brigade – Second Brigade
