The Cavalry Corps was also known as Pleasanton’s Corps.
About the Main Monument
When was it dedicated? Erected December 1906.
What is it made out of? Foundation: Concrete. Monument: Granite. Plaque: Bronze.
What size is it? Rough-hewn monolith, 4’2?x2’4?x 7?H. Bronze inscription tablet, 3’7?x4’1?, mounted on finished face of monolith.
Who made it? Albert Russell & Sons Co. of Newburyport, Massachusetts. Erected by the United States War Department.
What does it depict? A rectangular granite monument, with a large bronze tablets thereon, describing the engagements and movements of each army corps. Crossed Sabers Cavalry Corps Badge incorporated in center top of tablet.
What does it honor? One of the Union army corps monuments, denoting the service of the Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac.
How is it inscribed? The monument reads,
ARMY OF THE POTOMAC
CAVALRY CORPS
Major General Alfred Pleasonton
First Division Brigadier General John Buford
Second Division Brigadier General David McM. Gregg
Third Division Brigadier General Judson Kilpatrick
Headquarters Guard
Co. C 1st Ohio Capt. Samuel N. Stanford
Horse Artillery
First Brigade Capt. James M. Robertson
Second Brigade Capt. John C. Tidball
June 29. Buford’s Division advanced and extended its lines to left as far as Hagerstown to discover Confederate forces if any on left of the Army. Gregg’s Division moved to right of the Army to Westminster covering the country toward York and Carlisle by reconnoissances and patrols. Kilpatrick’s Division advanced to Hanover.
June 30. Gamble’s and Devin’s Brigades Buford’s Division advanced to Gettysburg. Kilpatrick’s Division encountered Stuart’s Cavalry at Hanover. Two brigades of Gregg’s Division were ordered to Gettysburg. Huey’s Third Brigade was left at Westminster.
July 1. Gamble’s and Devin’s Brigades encountered Heth’s Division Hill’s Corps on second ridge west of Gettysburg. When 1st and 11th Corps retreated to Cemetery Hill the Cavalry took position first on the left connecting with the town and later further to the left in front of Little Round Top.
July 2. On the arrival of the 3D Corps Buford’s command was ordered to Westminster. Kilpatrick’s Division marched toward Gettysburg and was ordered to the right and was attacked at Hunterstown by a detachment of Stuart’s command which was repulsed.
July 3. Merritt’s Brigade arrived and skirmished with the Confederate right while the 6th U. S. advanced to Fairfield and became engaged. Kilpatrick with Farnsworth’s Brigade took position on left of battle line and made a charge in the afternoon on the Confederate right but was repulsed with loss including General Farnsworth killed. Gregg’s Division on the right was attacked by Stuart’s Cavalry in the afternoon but with the aid of Custer’s Brigade Kilpatrick’s Division the attack was repulsed.
Casualties Killed 5 Officers 86 Men Wounded 39 Officers 315 Men Captured or Missing 8 Officers 399 Men Total 852
When was this photograph taken? June 17, 2012.
Where is it located? Located Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325. Located on Pleasonton Avenue near intersection with Humphreys Avenue.
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: Maj. Gen. Alfred Pleasonton (July 7, 1824 – February 17, 1897) was a United States Army officer and General of Union cavalry during the American Civil War. He commanded the Cavalry Corps of the Army of the Potomac during the Gettysburg Campaign, including the largest predominantly cavalry battle of the war, Brandy Station. In 1864 he was transferred to the Trans-Mississippi Theater, where he defeated Confederate General Sterling Price in two key battles, effectively ending the war in Missouri. More about this officer.
After Action Report: After Action Report of Maj. Gen. Alfred Pleasonton (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
