The 1st Corps, 1st Division was also known as Wadsworth’s Division. During the battle of Gettysburg, it served as a member of the First Corps in the Army of the Potomac.
About the Main Monument
When was it dedicated? Erected circa 1910.
What is it made out of? Foundation: Concrete. Monument: Granite. Plaque: Bronze.
What size is it? Seven foot tall monolith.
Who made it? Albert Russell & Sons Co. of Newburyport, Massachusetts. Erected by the United States War Department.
What does it depict? Monuments are rough-hewn monoliths, 4’2?x2?x7?H, consisting of Winnsboro, South Carolina granite. Bronze inscription tablet, 3’8?x3’6-3/4?, is affixed to the polished face of the monolith. Corps insignia, a bronze Maltese Cross, is excised & polished at top of tablet.
What does it honor? One of 22 Union division monuments that describe the movements and itinerary of each division of the Army of the Potomac. Designed by E. B. Cope.
How is it inscribed? The monument reads,
ARMY OF THE POTOMAC
FIRST CORPS
FIRST DIVISION
Brig. General James S. Wadsworth
First Brigade Brig. Gen. Solomon Meredith
Col. Wm. W. Robinson
Second Brigade Brig. General Lysander Cutler
July 1. Arrived at 10 A. M. the first Union Infantry on the field. Formed across Chambersburg Pike relieving First Division Cavalry Corps and was immediately attacked by Archer’s and Davis’s Brigades Heth’s Confederate Division which was repulsed with heavy losses. At 2 P. M. both sides having been heavily reinforced the fighting was renewed with great energy. The two brigades fighting separately where most needed. At 4 P. M. the Confederates having advanced in superior numbers and enveloping both flanks the Division retired by order of the general commanding to Cemetery Hill and went into position on north side of Culps Hill.
July 2 & 3. Entrenched on Culp’s Hill and repulsed attacks made in the evening of second and morning of third.
Casualties Killed 19 Officers 280 Men Wounded 98 Officers 1131 Men Captured or Missing 15 Officers 612 Men Total 2155
When was this photograph taken? December 11, 2011.
Where is it located? Located Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325. Located West side of North Reynolds Avenue just North of Chambersburg Pike.
Is this monument located along the NPS Auto Tour route? Yes.
Has this monument been moved or changed? This monument has not been changed or materially altered. In 2010, the monument was somehow tipped over, but it was replaced by the National Park Service.
Monument Details, Alternative Views, and Contextual Views
At Gettysburg
Commander: Brig. Gen. James Samuel Wadsworth (October 30, 1807 – May 8, 1864) was a philanthropist, politician, and a Union general in the American Civil War. He was killed in battle during the Battle of the Wilderness of 1864. More about this officer.
After Action Report: After Action Report of Brig. Gen. James S. Wadsworth (will open a pop up window).
First Corps, AOP at Gettysburg
First Army Corps – Artillery Brigade – First Division – First Brigade – Second Brigade – Second Division – First Brigade – Second Brigade – Third Division – First Brigade – Second Brigade – Third Brigade
