HistoricSiteMarkers
Civil War

Gettysburg Campaign

Mount Joy Township, Adams County, Pennsylvania

Marker Inscription

The Union Army 12th Corps arrived here the afternoon of July 1, 1863; and later moved into battle line on Culp's Hill. On July 2, the 6th Corps arrived by this same road, and the 5th Corps by the Hanover Road.

Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission

The Story

As the fighting opened, Union reinforcements streamed toward Gettysburg along these country roads. The 12th Corps reached this point on the afternoon of July 1, 1863, and soon took position on Culp's Hill, the anchor of the Union right. Over the next day the 6th and 5th Corps followed, filling out the fishhook line that would hold against Lee's attacks.

Why it matters

The rapid concentration of the Union army on strong high ground was the foundation of the victory at Gettysburg.

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  • · Gettysburg Campaign
  • · Battle of Gettysburg

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Nearby & related markers

61st PA Smith

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This tablet marks where the 61st Pennsylvania Infantry stood at Gettysburg, the July 1863 clash that halted Lee's invasion of the North. After a grueling 37-mile forced march, the regiment reached the field late on July 2nd as part of the 6th Corps — the army's largest reserve — and held this position through the close of battle on July 3rd. Such rapid marches by fresh troops were exactly what let the Union army mass overwhelming strength at the decisive moment.

US 21st PA Cavalry Co B Bingham

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A short distance from here, on June 26, 1863 — days before the great battle opened — Private George M. Sandoe of Captain Robert Bell's independent Adams County cavalry company was shot and killed as Confederate forces advanced on Gettysburg. His unit was later folded into Company B of the 21st Pennsylvania Cavalry, and Sandoe is remembered as the first Union soldier killed at Gettysburg.

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