Smyth’s Brigade Monument (2-3-2)

Location: Located east side of North Hancock Avenue near Brian buildings.

Description: Erected 1912. 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. The pedestal consists of sea-green granite 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. This particular monument includes an experimental 1930s-era bird guard.

Inscription:

ARMY OF THE POTOMAC
SECOND CORPS THIRD DIVISION
SECOND BRIGADE
Col. Thomas A. Smyth
Lieut. Col. Francis E. Pierce
14th Connecticut 1st Delaware
12th New Jersey 1Oth 108th New York Infantry

July 2. Took position early in the morning along a stone fence on Cemetery Ridge at the left of Ziegler’s Grove supporting Battery I 1st U. S. on the right. Sharp skirmishing during the day and artillery firing at intervals in the afternoon. At night the line of the Brigade was extended to the Angle to cover the portion previously occupied by the Third Brigade.

July 3. In the afternoon the Bliss Barn having been occupied by the Confederate sharpshooters the 14th Conn. by order of Brig. Gen. A. Hays recaptured and burned the barn. At 1 P. M. a terrific cannonade was opened by the Confederates in front which continued for two hours followed by a charge of the Divisions of Major Gen. Pickett Brig. Gen. Pettigrew and Major Gen. Pender which was repulsed by the Brigade reinforced by the Third Brigade. More than 1200 prisoners and 9 stand of colors were captured by the Brigade.

July 4. The Brigade remained in position until the close of the battle with sharp skirmishing during the day.

Casualties Killed 6 Officers 55 Men Wounded 34 Officers 245 Men Captured or Missing 1 Officer 25 Men Total 366

Army of the Potomac > Second Corps > Third Division > Second Brigade