Draw the Sword

Vincent’s Brigade

Location: Sykes Avenue, Little Round Top

Order of Battle: 5th Corps, 1st Division, 3rd Brigade

Commander: Colonel Strong Vincent (June 17, 1837 – July 7, 1863) was a lawyer who became famous as a U.S. Army officer during the fighting on Little Round Top at the American Civil War Battle of Gettysburg, where he was mortally wounded.

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
THIRD BRIGADE
Col. Strong Vincent Col. James C. Rice
20th Maine 16th Michigan 44th New York
83D Pennsylvania Infantry

July 2. After 4 P. M. moved with the Division left in front to the support of the Third Corps line. The Brigade was detached and took position on Little Round Top advancing to the crests at the south and southwest. The 20th Maine 83D Penna. 44th New York and 16th Michigan took position from left to right. They were immediately attacked by Brig. Gen. Law’s Brigade and the contest raged for over two hours and until dark when the attack was repulsed with great loss in killed wounded and prisoners. Over 500 prisoners including 15 commissioned officers were captured. The 20th Maine and the 83D Penna. extended their lines after dark to the summit of Round Top.

July 3. Took position about noon with Second Brigade near the left centre of the main line of battle and remained in reserve through the day exposed to severe shelling but without loss.

July 4. Made a reconnaissance to the front without finding any Confederate forces in positions occupied by them the previous day.

Casualties Killed 6 Officers 83 Men Wounded 17 Officers 236 Men Captured or Missing 11 Men Total 353

Other Monuments and Memorials: Memorial stone denoting the spot where Colonel Vincent was mortally wounded. Rectangular marker contains a raised Maltese cross, the corps insignia. The monument indicates the approximate location where General Strong Vincent was mortally wounded on July 2, 1863. The current piece, fabricated by Codori Memorials, replaces one executed in 1878 which was moved to storage after being vandalized. The current stone was placed in 1978. It is inscribed, 3rd BRIGADE/FIRST DIVISION/5TH CORPS / GEN. STRONG VINCENT/WOUNDED/JULY 2, DIED JULY 7, 1863.

Supplemental Materials: After Action Report of Colonel James C. Rice (will open a pop up window).