The 6th Corps, 3rd Division, 3rd Brigade was also known as Wheaton’s Brigade. During the battle of Gettysburg, it served as a member of Newton’s Division in the Sixth 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
SIXTH CORPS THIRD DIVISION
THIRD BRIGADE
Brig. Gen. Frank Wheaton
Col. David J. Nevin
62D NewYork 93D 98th 102D 139th Penna. Infantry
July 2. Arrived about 2 P. M. and late in the day moved to the north slope of Little Round Top. On the advance of Brig. Gen. Wofford’s Brigade and others forcing First and Second Brigades Second Division Fifth Corps across Plum Run and up the west base of Little Round Top the Brigade with First Brigade Third Division Fifth Corps on the left countercharged forcing the Confederates down the hill and across Plum Run and marsh and 100 yards up the slope beyond and remained during the night having recaptured two Napoleon guns.
July 3. Assigned to the command of Brig. Gen. J. J. Bartlett in the morning and remained in the advanced position of the previous night. Late in the day supported First Brigade Third Division Fifth Corps at an interval of 200 yards in advance through the Wheatfield and the woods on the south encountering a detachment of Brig. Gen. Benning’s Brigade and the combined forces captured about 200 prisoners of that Brigade and the colors of the 15th Georgia. At dark the line was recalled to a position of a few hundred yards in advance of the original line. The Brigade sustained some loss in this movement. One Napoleon and three caissons belonging to 9th Mass. Battery recaptured.
Casualties Killed 2 Men Wounded 7 Officers 44 Men Total 53
When was this photograph taken? April 15, 2011.
Where is it located? Located Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325. Field north of Valley of Death.
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
At Gettysburg
Commander: Brig. Gen. Frank (Francis) Wheaton (May 8, 1833 – June 18, 1903) was a career military officer in the United States Army during the American Civil War and Indian Wars. More about this officer.
After Action Report: After Action Report of Col. David J. Nevin (will open a pop up window).
Sixth Corps, AOP at Gettysburg
Sixth Army Corps – Artillery Brigade – First Division – First Brigade – Second Brigade – Third Brigade – Second Division – Second Brigade – Third Brigade – Third Division – First Brigade – Second Brigade – Third Brigade
