The 1st Brigade was also known as Farnsworth’s Brigade. During the battle of Gettysburg, it served as a member of Kilpatrick’s Division in the Cavalry 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
CAVALRY CORPS THIRD DIVISION
FIRST BRIGADE
Brig. Gen. Elon J. Farnsworth
Col. Nathaniel R Richmond
5th New York 18th Pennsylvania
1st Vermont 1st (10 Cos.) West Virginia Cavalry
June 30. Arrived at Hanover about noon and was attacked by Major Gen. Stuart’s Cavalry and Horse Artillery which first encountered the 18th Penna. in the rear of the column. Later the Brigade was engaged and Major Gen. Stuart having been repulsed from the town retired with the loss of a battleflag and over 70 men.
July 1 & 2. Not engaged.
July 3. Moved to the left to attack the Confederate right and rear arriving about 1 P. M. and engaged with Confederate skirmishers being supported at 3 P. M. by the Reserve Cavalry Brigade on the left. At 5.30 P. M. the 18th Pa. 1st Vt. and 1st West Virginia charged the Confederate left through the woods and among stone fences held by superior forces of Infantry and Artillery but were repulsed with heavy loss including Brig. Gen. Farnsworth killed.
Casualties Killed 3 Officers 18 Men Wounded 6 Officers 28 Men Captured or Missing 1 Officer 42 Men Total 98
When was this photograph taken? August 29, 2011.
Where is it located? Located Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325. Located on South side of South Confederate Avenue, near Bushman Hill.
Is this monument located along the NPS Auto Tour route? Yes.
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. Elon John Farnsworth (July 30, 1837 – July 3, 1863) was a Union Army cavalry general in the American Civil War, killed at the Battle of Gettysburg. More about this officer.
After Action Report: After Action Report of Col. Nathaniel P. Richmond (will open a pop up window).
Cavalry Corps, AOP at Gettysburg
Cavalry Corps – 1st Artillery Brigade – 2nd Artillery Brigade – First Division – First Brigade – Second Brigade – Third Brigade – Second Division – First Brigade – Second Brigade – Third Brigade – Third Division – First Brigade – Second Brigade
