Draw the Sword

Ward’s Brigade

Location: Sickles Avenue, above Devil’s Den

Order of Battle: 3rd Corps, 1st Division, 2nd Brigade

Commander: Colonel John Henry Hobart Ward (June 17, 1823 – July 24, 1903), most commonly referred to as J.H. Hobart Ward, was a career United States Army soldier who fought in the Mexican–American War and served in the New York state militia. He also served as a Union general during the American Civil War.

Monument Specifications: Polished granite square base with bronze plaque affixed to front.

Dedication Date: ca. 1912.

Main Inscription: Reads,

ARMY OF THE POTOMAC
THIRD CORPS FIRST DIVISION
SECOND BRIGADE
Brig. Gen. J. H. Hobart Ward
Col. Hiram Berdan
20th Indiana 3d 4th Maine
86th 124th New York 99th Penna. Infantry
1st 2D (8 Cos.) U. S. Sharpshooters

July 1. Arrived after sunset and bivouacked for the night.

July 2. The Corps having relieved Second Division Twelfth Corps in the morning the Brigade took position on the left of the Division and extended to the base of Little Round top. Between 2 and 3 P. M. advanced with the Division to the line from the Peach Orchard to Devil’s Den occupying the left of the line to the west base of Little Round Top. The 1st U. S. Sharpshooters and 3D Maine were engaged in a reconnaissance into the woods in front of the Peach Orchard from noon until about 2 P. M. and then served with First Brigade at the Peach Orchard. The 6th New Jersey and 40th New York were sent to Brig. Gen. Ward and supported his left. Between 4 and 5 P. M. the Brigade was fiercely attacked by Brig. Gen. Robertson’s and Brig. Gen. Benning’s Brigades Major Gen. Hood’s Division and after a prolonged conflict was forced back.

July 3. In reserve.

Casualties Killed 12 Officers 117 Men Wounded 33 Officers 449 Men Captured or Missing 6 Officers 164 Men Total 781

Other Monuments and Memorials: None.

Supplemental Materials: After Action Report of Brig. Gen. J. H. Hobart Ward (will open a pop up window).