Humphreys’ Division served as a member of the Third Corps in the Army of the Potomac. The division is honored by two monuments, one at the Peach Orchard and one on Sickles Avenue.
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? This monument does not follow the same model as the other Union division monuments and resembles a corps monument.
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
THIRD CORPS
SECOND DIVISION
Brigadier General Andrew A. Humphreys
July 1. This Division was at Emmitsburg. Shortly after 3 P. M. marched by indirect route about two miles west of main road to Gettysburg leaving Burling’s Brigade.
July 2. Arrived at 1 A. M. and massed on Cemetery Ridge between Birney’s Division on the left and 2D Corp. Burling’s Brigade rejoined. Between 2 and 3 P. M. formed line of battle along the Emmitsburg Road to resist attack on Union left its right opposite left of Caldwell’s Division 2D Corps its left joining Birney’s Division. Carr’s Brigade on the right Brewster’s Brigade massed on the left centre Burling’s Brigade in Reserve until sent to General Birney. The Confederates made demonstrations on the Division front which remained in position after the 5th and 6th Corps had arrived on the Union left until about 6 P. M. when McLaws’ Division following the Confederate oblique order of battle broke Birney’s line at the Peach Orchard uncovering the left of Humphreys who changed front to connect with 2D and 5th Corps troops in the Wheatfield. That line enfiladed by the enemy fell back across Plum Run while Humphreys outflanked by McLaws’ Division and pressed by Anderson’s Division Hill’s Corps gradually retired to Cemetery Ridge reformed on 2D Corps left and drove the Confederates beyond the Emmitsburg Road recovering abandoned artillery capturing many prisoners and holding the advanced position during the night.
July 3. Division moved to different points in the rear of the 1st 2D 5th and 6th Corps supporting threatened positions.
Casualties Killed 28 Officers 286 Men Wounded 140 Officers 1422 Men Captured or Missing 2 Officers 214 men Total 2092
When was this photograph taken? April 15, 2011.
Where is it located? Located Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325. Located on East side of North Sickles Avenue, Klingel Farm.
Is this monument located along the NPS Auto Tour route? No.
Has this monument been moved or changed? This monument has not been moved or materially altered.
Monument Details, Alternative Views, and Contextual Views
Secondary Monuments and Markers
Monument Title: Second Division Monument
Photographed: May 30, 2009.
Location: Peach Orchard. Located on Southeast corner of Emmitsburg & Wheatfield Roads in Peach Orchard. This monument is denoted on the map above by a RED pushpin.
Description: Rough-hewn monolith, 4’2″x2′, 7′ high. Bronze inscription tablet, 3’8″x3’6 3/4″ mounted on polished face of monolith. Diamond-shaped bronze corps insignia attached above tablet.
Inscription,
ARMY OF THE POTOMAC
THIRD CORPS
SECOND DIVISION
Brig. General Andrew A. Humphreys
First Brigade Brig. Gen. Joseph B. Carr
Second Brigade Col. William R. Brewster
Third Brigade Col. George C. Burling
July 2. Arrived about 1 A. M. and bivouacked for the night. In the morning took position between Birney’s Division on the left and the Second Corps facing Emmitsburg Road. Between 2 and 3 P. M. advanced to the Emmitsburg Road. Carr’s Brigade at first in line along the road Brewster’s Brigade in reserve. Burling’s Brigade at first in reserve and then except the 5th New Jersey sent to Gen. Birney. The Division was attacked by McLaws’ and Anderson’s Divisions and by sunset was compelled to retire to the first position occupied where it reformed on the left of Second Corps and drove back the Confederate forces beyond the Emmitsburg Road and recovered the artillery that had been abandoned and captured many prisoners and held the position during the night.
July 3. About sunrise moved to the rear and left and was supplied with rations and ammunition. Burling’s Brigade joined the Division moved to different points in rear of the First Second Fifth and some Sixth Corps in support of threatened positions. Suffered some loss in the afternoon from Confederate artillery.
Casualties Killed 28 Officers 286 Men Wounded 140 Officers 1422 Men Captured or Missing 2 Officers 214 Men Total 2092
At Gettysburg
Commander: Brig. Gen. Andrew Atkinson Humphreys (November 2, 1810 – December 27, 1883), was a career United States Army officer, civil engineer, and a Union General in the American Civil War. He served in senior positions in the Army of the Potomac, including division command, chief of staff, and corps command, and was Chief Engineer of the U.S. Army. More about this officer.
After Action Report: After Action Report of Brig. Gen. Andrew A. Humphreys (will open a pop up window).
Third Corps, AOP at Gettysburg
Third Army Corps – Artillery Brigade – First Division – First Brigade – Second Brigade – Third Brigade – Second Division – First Brigade – Second Brigade – Third Brigade
