About the Main Monument

When was it dedicated? July 2, 2008

What is it made out of? Granite with bronze elements.

Who made it? Erected by the by Grand Rapids and Holland/Zeeland Civil War Round Tables.

What does it depict? Small granite monument features relief of General G.A. Custer, commander of the Michigan Cavalry Brigade.

What does it honor? Denotes fighting that took place on the so-called “North Cavalry battlefield” near the town of Hunterstown, Pennsylvania, on July 2, 1863.

How is it inscribed? Monument reads,

Three-fourths of a mile south of this site on the Hunterstown Road, newly appointed Brigadier General George Armstrong Custer led the Michigan Cavalry Brigade (1st, 5th, 6th, and 7th Regiments) in his first charge against superior forces of Confederate cavalry under General Wade Hampton and Cobb’s Legion on July 2, 1863. During the attack, Custer’s horse was shot from under him. Without a horse but uninjured, he found himself prone to the mercy of Confederate blades that bore down on him. This decisive first encounter nearly proved fatal if not for the bravery and quick thinking of Norvell Francis Churchill, Company “L” 1st Michigan Cavalry, who deflected a saber blow and pulled the “boy general” to the back of his steed, extracting him from harms way.

When was this photograph taken? February 25, 2012.

Where is it located? Intersection of Shrivers Corner Road and Hunterstown Road, Hunterstown, Pennsylvania.

Is this monument located along the NPS Auto Tour route? No.

Has this monument been moved or changed? This monument has not been changed or materially altered.

Robertson’s Brigade served as a member of the Cavalry Division, Army of Northern Virginia. The brigade is honored by a monument and a tablet.

About the Main Monument

When was it dedicated? Erected circa 1910. The last monument was completed on December 19, 1910.

What is it made out of? Foundation: Concrete. Monument: Polished smooth red Maine granite. Plaque: Bronze.

What size is it? 3.8 feet x 3.4 feet diameter base. Height 5’4″. Tablet measures 4 feet by 3 feet 8 inches and weighs 300 pounds. Overall weight is 3000 pounds.

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 red Maine granite pedestal with a circular base. On each pedestal is mounted a bronze inscription tablet describing the movements and actions of the unit.

What does it honor? One of 64 Confederate brigade monuments. Designed by E. B. Cope and erected by the U.S. War Department. They indicate the general location of the centers of the various Confederate brigades and artillery battalions during several phases of the battle. Some of the tablets were made from melted down Civil War cannon. The tablets describe the itinerary and movements of each brigade.

How is it inscribed? The monument reads,

C. S. A.
ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA
STUART’S CAVALRY DIVISION
ROBERTSON’S BRIGADE
4th and 5th North Carolina Cavalry

July 1. The Brigade crossed the Potomac at Williamsport Md. and marched to Greencastle Pa.

July 2. Marched from Greencastle Pa. to Chambersburg Pa.

July 3. Marched to Cashtown and in the direction of Fairfield guarding the flank of the Army.

July 4. Held Jack’s Mountain and picketed the left flank of the Army of Northern Virginia.

No report nor details of losses made.

When was this photograph taken? December 17, 2009.

Where is it located? Located Gettysburg National Military Park, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania 17325. Located on South Reynolds Avenue, just North of Fairfield Road.

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.

At Gettysburg

Commander: Brig. Gen. Beverly Holcombe Robertson (June 5, 1827 – December 12, 1910) was a cavalry officer in the United States Army on the Western frontier and a Confederate general during the American Civil War. More about this officer.