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Civil War

Gettysburg Campaign

Cumberland Township, Adams County, Pennsylvania

Marker Inscription

Gen. Rodes' Confederate troops marched down this road July 1, 1863, on their way from Carlisle. At this point they turned right along the ridge to Oak Hill, to attack the Union flank.

Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission

The Story

On July 1, 1863, Robert Rodes' Confederate division came down this road from Carlisle toward the sound of battle at Gettysburg. Here his men turned along the ridge toward Oak Hill, seizing high ground from which to strike the exposed Union flank. Their attack helped collapse the Northern line north of town on the battle's opening day.

Why it matters

The seizure of Oak Hill shows how terrain and timing shaped the first day's fighting at Gettysburg.

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Related people

  • · Robert Rodes

Related events

  • · Gettysburg Campaign
  • · Battle of Gettysburg

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