Early’s Division, Ewell’s Corps Monument

Dedicated: 1907.

Location: Located on East Confederate Avenue overlooking Culp’s Run, at the north end. Marks the command position of Early’s Division during Battle of Gettysburg, July 1-4, 1863.

Description: One of ten Confederate division monuments that describe the movements and itenirary of each division of the Army of Northern Virginia. The locations of the markers indicate the general location of the battle lines of the various Confederate divisions during the battle.

Inscription:

C. S. A.
ARMY OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA
SECOND ARMY CORPS
EARLY’S DIVISION
Maj. Gen. Jubal A. Early

Hays’ Brigade Brig. Gen. Harry T. Hays
Smith’s Brigade Brig. Gen. William Smith
Hoke’s Brigade Col. Isaac E. Avery
Col. A. C. Godwin
Gordon’s Brigade Brig. John B. Gordon
Artillery Battalion
Four Batteries Col. H. R. Jones

July 1. The Division arrived about noon within two miles of Gettysburg by Harrisburg Road. Formed line across road north of Rock Creek. Gordon’s Brigade ordered to support of a brigade of Rodes’ Division engaged with a division of the Eleventh Corps which had advanced to a wooded hill in front of town. The remainder of the Division was ordered forward as Gordon’s Brigade was engaged. After a short and severe contest the Union troops were forced through the town losing many prisoners. Later in the day Gordon’s Brigade ordered to the York Road in support of Smith’s Brigade. Hays’ and Hoke’s Brigades occupied the town.

July 2. In the early morning Hays’ and Hoke’s Brigades took position to front and left of town. Gordon’s Brigade in reserve moved to the rear of the brigades. Smith’s Brigade remained in this position until nearly dusk when Hays’ and Hoke’s Brigades advanced on Cemetery Hill. The brigades reached the crest of hill but not being supported on the right were forced to retire. Gordon’s Brigade advanced to support the attack.

July 3. At daylight Smith’s Brigade was ordered to support of Johnson’s Division on the left. Hays’ and Hoke’s Brigades formed line in town holding the position of previous day. Gordon’s Brigade held the line of the day before. The Division not further engaged.

July 4. In the morning the Division was withdrawn to Cashtown Road to west of town.

Casualties Killed 156 Wounded 806 Missing 226 Total 1188