July 2, 1863 - Gettysburg: The Wheatfield

July 2, 1863 (Day 2), the afternoon, 4:30pm: The Wheatfield 

I've been to various parts of the Gettysburg battlefield a few times now. In June of 2025, I jumped at the opportunity to support battlefield preservation efforts while taking a guided tour from the American Battlefield Trust. I even got to meet chief historian, Gary Adelman, AKA that guy from all those Civil War YouTube videos.  So here's a detailed look at the action in and around the wheatfield, then a collection of some of the associated battlefield memorials.    

https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=240395

Whirlpool of Death

July 2, 4:30—6:30 pm

—Gettysburg National Military Park—

In the summer of 1863, the golden wheat grew tall here. But at 4:30 pm on July 2, the Wheatfield was transformed into a whirlpool of death. Over a period of 2 1/2 hours this ground changed hands six times as Confederates of Longstreet’s Corps attempted to smash the loosely-knit Union line.

Confederate attackers came from your rear and left; Union reinforcements moved into the area from front and right. Soldiers found ready-made defenses at the stone wall behind you, and on the “stony hill” to your left. As the day and fighting ended the dead and wounded lay together on the trampled, blood-soaked wheat. Confederates took the Wheatfield, but casualties - an estimated 6,000 - 7,000 on both sides - were devastating.

 

Erected 2024 by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.

Early morning gathering at the Wheatfield 

https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=15704

Battery D, 

1st New York Light Artillery

Artillery Brigade, Third Corps

(Front):

Battery D

1st N.Y.

Light Artillery,

Artillery Brig. Third Corps.

(Back):

This Battery (Winslow's)

held this position during

the afternoon of July 2d 1863.

Casualties:

10 wounded, 8 missing.

Mustered in Sept. 6, 1861.

Engaged in 32 battles,

Mustered out June 16, 1865.

 

Erected 1888 by State of New York.

https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=15774

61st New York Infantry

1st Brigade, 1st Division

— 2nd Corps —

(Front):

61st. Regt. N.Y.Infy.

1st Brig. 1st Div.

2nd. Corps.

Organized September 1861.

Mustered out July 14th 1865.

(Back):

This position held by the

61st Regt. N.Y. Infy.

on the afternoon of

July 2nd. 1863.

Casualties

Killed 6 Wounded 58

Total loss 62

Erected 1889 by State of New York.

https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=15776

27th Connecticut Infantry

(Front):

Erected 1885.

The 27th Regt. Conn. Vols.

commanded by

Lieut. Colonel Henry C. Merwin,

and forming a part of the

4th Brigade, 1st Division, 2nd Corps

charged over this ground, the afternoon of

July 2, 1863.

The 4th Brigade forced the enemy from the

Wheat Field and beyond the woods in front

where the advanced position of the 27th Regt.

is indicated by a tablet on the crest of

the ledge.

On this spot Lieut. Col. Merwin was killed

while gallantly leading his command of

75 officers and men. 38 of whom were killed

or wounded in the charge. Eight companies of the

Regt. captured at Chancellorsvile were still

prisoners of war.

Capt. Jedediah Chapman Jr. was also killed in the charge while commanding a company organized from detached members of the eight companies taken prisoners at Chancellorsville.

The 27th Regt. Conn. Vols.

was recruited an organized

in New Haven County State

of Connecticut.

July 2, 1863

Erected 1885 by State of Connecticut.

https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=15772

81st Pennsylvania Infantry

1st Brigade, 1st Division

— 2nd Corps —

(Front):

81st Penna

Infantry

1st Brig. 1st Div. 2nd Corps.

Fought on this line in the afternoon of July 2nd

Present at Gettysburg 175 officers and men

Killed and died of wounds 9 men

Wounded 5 officers and 40 men

Captured or missing 8 men

Total loss 62

(Left):

Recruited in Philadelphia, Carbon and

Luzerne Counties

Mustered in August 6 to October 27 1861

Re-enlisted December 23 1863

Mustered out June 29 1865

(Back):

Yorktown - Wilderness

Fair Oaks - Spotsylvania

Peach Orchard - North Anna

Savage's Station - Totopotomoy

White Oak Swamp - Cold Harbor

Glendale - Petersburg

Malvern Hill - Strawberry Plains

Antietam - Deep Bottom

Fredericksburg - Reams Station

Chancellorsville - Petersburg (Squirrel Level Road)

Gettysburg - White Oak Road

Bristoe Station - Southerland Station

Kelly's Ford - Amelia Court House

Mine Run - Farmville (Cumberland Church)

Appomattox

(Right):

Total enrollment 1620

Killed and died of wounds 17 officers and 187 men

Died of disease etc. 2 officers and 89 men

Wounded 44 officers and 516 men

Captured or missing 3 officers and 130 men

 

Erected 1889 by Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Thee tour included contemporary photos of the monuments' dedications 

https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=15561

148th Pennsylvania Infantry

1st Brigade, 1st Division

— 2nd Corps —

(Front):

148th Penna Infantry

1st Brig. 1st Div. 2d Corps.

(Left):

The Regiment

engaged the enemy

on this position in

the afternoon of

July 2d 1863.

Present at Gettysburg 468 officers and men.

Killed and died of wounds 2 officers 25 men.

Wounded 5 officers 88 men

Captured or missing 5 men.

Total 125.

(Right):

Recruited in

Centre, Clarion, Indiana

and Jefferson Counties.

Organized September 1. 1862.

Mustered out June 1. 1865.

Total Enrollment 1370.

Killed and died of wounds, 13 officers, 190 men.

Died of disease, etc. 4 officers 170 men.

Wounded, 28 officers 512 men.

Captured or missing 4 officers 168 men.

Total 1089.

(Back):

Chancellorsville. Cold Harbor.

Gettysburg. Petersburg.

Auburn. Strawberry Plains.

Bristoe Station. Deep Bottom.

Mine Run. Reams' Station.

Wilderness. Petersburg.

Spotsylvania. Hatchers's Run.

North Anna. South Side R.R.

Totopotomy. Farmville.

Appomattox.

 

Erected 1889 by Commonwealth of Pennsylvania 

https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=15566

Second U.S. Infantry

Second Brigade - Second Division

— Fifth Corps —

Army of the Potomac

Fifth Corps

Second Division Second Brigade

Second U.S. Infantry

Six Companies

Major Arthur T. Lee and Captain Samuel A. McKee

commanding

July 2 Arrived in the morning and took position with the Brigade at the right of the Twelfth Corps. Skirmished with the Confederates. Later moved to the left. At 5 p.m. formed line with left on north slope of Little Round Top and the right of Brigade line extending into some woods. Advanced across Plum Run and to the crest of the rocky wooded hill in front near the Wheatfield and facing left occupied the stone wall on the edge of the woods. The Confederates having opened fire on the right flank and advanced through the Wheatfield in the rear the Brigade was withdrawn under a heavy Infantry fire on both flanks and from the rear and of shot and shell from the Batteries and formed in line on right of Little Round Top.

July 3 Remained in same position.

Casualties. Killed 1 officer and 5 men. Wounded 4 officers and 51 men. Missing 6 men.

 

Erected 1907 by Gettysburg National Military Park Commission.

https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=230802

(Front):

Here fell

Charles Frederick Taylor

July 2, 1863

Age 23 years 4 months 26 days

Colonel of "The Bucktails"

First Rifle Regiment P.V.R.C.

Erected by his comrades and friends

1905

(Back):

Charles Frederick Taylor

Born February 6 1840

Enrolled May 16 1861

Captain Co. H. 13th Penna. Reserves

First Rifles May 28 1861

Colonel March 1 1863

Killed in action July 2 1863

Erected 1905 by Comrades and Friends.

One of the first markers on the whole battlefield in 1878, and one that got moved in 1905.

https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=15062

20th Regt. Indiana

Volunteer Infantry.

July 2nd 1863.

———

Col. John Wheeler

Killed near by.

20th Ind.

Erected 1885 by State of Indiana.

https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=15649

Captain Henry V. Fuller

Co. F. 64th New York Infantry

Killed July 2, 1863.

Ok, Fuller's story checks out. And next, here's another really old marker. 

https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=15717

Field Hospital of the 32nd Massachusetts Infantry

2nd Brigade, 1st Division

— 5th Corps —

Behind this group of rocks, on the afternoon of July 2nd, 1863, Surgeon Z. Boylston Adams placed the Field Hospital of the 32nd Massachusetts Infantry, 2nd Brigade, 1st Div., 5th Army Corps. Established so near the line of battle, many of our wounded escaped capture or death by its timely aid. 

Erected 1885 by Veteran Association of the Regiment.

*

And now a collection of monuments mostly around the rocky knoll to the West of the battlefield, generally for those engaged around here. 

https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=15741

18th Massachusetts Volunteers

1st Brigade, 1st Division

— 5th Corps —

(Front):

18th.

Mass. Vol.s

First Brig.

First Div.

5th Corps.

"Let Us Have Peace"

(Right):

July 2, 1863.

(Left):

Little Round Top

July 3, 1863.

https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=15745

28th Massachusetts Infantry

2nd Brigade, 1st Division

— 2nd Corps —

(Around Base):

28th Mass.

2nd Brig. 1st Div.

2nd Corps.

(Front):

Faugh A Ballaugh

28th Mass. Inf'y

Vol.

Col. Richard Byrns Com.

Meagher's Irish Brig.

Col. Patrick Kelly. Com.

This regt. went into battle

July 2. 1863.

Numbering 220

officers and men.

101 of whom

were killed or wounded.

Erected by the survivors

and friends of the Regt.

to mark the spot where it

fought in defense of the

American Union.

 

Erected 1885 by Survivors and Friends of the 28th Massachusetts Regiment.

If, like me, you are wondering who Faugh A Ballagh is - I've got some interesting news: "Faugh a Ballagh" (pronounced FAWKH ə BAL-əkh) is a battle cry of Irish origin meaning "Clear the Way". It's an anglicized version of the Irish phrase "Fág an Bealach". The cry is associated with Irish military traditions, particularly the Royal Irish Regiment and the Irish Brigade of the Union Army during the American Civil War. 

https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=15746

Second Brigade

First Division - Second Corps

— Army of the Potomac —

Army of the Potomac

Second Corps First Division

Second Brigade

Col. Patrick Kelly

28th. Massachusetts

63d. (2 Cos.) 69th. (2 Cos.) 88th. (2 Cos.) New York

116th. (4 Cos.) Pennsylvania Infantry

July 2 Arrived at 7 a.m. and took position on line from Cemetery Hill to Round Top at the right of First Brigade. Between 5 and 6 p.m. went with Division to left. First Brigade on the left Third Brigade on right. Engaged the Confederate forces including Brig. Gen. Anderson's Brigade Major Gen. Hood's Division in the Wheatfield and forced them through the field southerly into woods beyond capturing many prisoners. The Fourth Brigade having advanced on the left this Brigade held its position until the Division being flanked on right and left retired and resumed former position in line of the Corps.

July 3 Constructed breastworks and remained entrenched until the close of the battle.

Casualties. Killed 1 officer 26 men. Wounded 4 officers 105 men. Captured or missing 2 officers 60 men. Total 198.

 

Erected 1912 by Gettysburg National Military Park Commission

https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=15748

140th Pennsylvania Infantry

140th Reg't. Penna. Vols.

Col. R. P. Roberts Commanding.

Zook's Brig., Caldwell's Div., Hancock's Corps.

July 2nd 1863.

(Succeeded 5, Corps Troops.)

Carried into action.

29 officers and 560 enlisted men.

Lost in action.

14 officers and 227 enlisted men.

as follows:

Killed, 3 officers and 34 enlisted men.

Died of wounds, 1 officer and 16 enlisted men.

Wounded, 7 officers and 120 enlisted men.

Capt'd and missing, 3 officers and 57 enlisted men.

In memory of our comrades, 1885.

140, P.V.

Right of First Div. 2, Corps.

Erected 1885 by Survivors of the Regiment.

https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=15744

(Front):

116th Pennsylvania Infantry

2nd Brig. 1st Div. 2nd Corps.

(Back):

2nd Brigade.

July 2, 1863

In action 142 officers and men

Killed and wounded 37

(Left):

Irish Brigade.

(Right):

1st Division.

That pour Union soldier, laying on his back, was a victim of the wheatfield's whirlpool of death.

https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=15739

140th Pennsylvania Infantry

3rd Brigade, 1st Division

— 2nd Corps —

(front)

140th Penna

Infantry.

3rd Brig. 1st Div. 2d corps.

The regiment engaged

the enemy on this

position late in the

afternoon of July 2d

succeeding 5th Corps

troops and holding the

right of the 1st Division

2d Corps. Supported

battery on left centre

July 3rd.

Present at Gettysburg 589 officers and men

Killed and died of wounds, 3 officers 50 men

Wounded 8 officers 120 men

Captured or missing 3 officers 57 men

Total 241.

(Left):

Recruited in

Washington, Beaver, Greene,

and Mercer Counties

Mustered in August & September 1862

Mustered out May 31st 1865.

(Back):

Chancellorsville. - Petersburg.

Gettysburg. - Strawberry Plains.

Bristoe Station. - Deep Bottom.

Mine Run. - Reams' Station.

Wilderness. - Hatcher's Run.

Spotsylvania. - Boydton Road.

North Anna. - Sutherland Station.

Totopotomy. - Sailor's Creek.

Cold Harbor. - Farmville.

Appomattox.

(Right):

Total Enrollment 1146.

Killed and died of wounds 10 officers 176 men.

Died of disease etc. 1 officer 131 men.

Wounded 18 officers 354 men.

Captured or missing 5 officers 122 men.

Total 817.

Erected 1889 by Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

* Yep, these guys were FROM Gettysburg! 

https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=15735

First Michigan Infantry

1st Brigade, 1st Division

— 5th Corps —

(Front):

First

Mich.

Inf'ty.

1st Brig.

1st Div. 5th Corps

(Back):

Mustered in at Detroit Mich.

May 1, 1861. for 3 months.

Mustered in at Ann Arbor, Mich.

Aug. 17, 1861. for 3 years.

Re-enlisted as Veterans.

Feb. 23, 1864.

Mustered out at Jefersonville, Ind.

July 9, 1865.

Total enrollment.

2144 officers and men.

Killed in action.

officers 12, men 135.

Died of wounds.

officers 6, men 22.

Died of disease.

officers 1, men 95.

Total 252.

"From the first to the last."

Entry into Virginia and capture

of Alexandria May 24, 1861.

to Appomattox April 8, 1865.

Participated in 54 skirmishes

and general engagements.

This monument marks the position

where the regiment fought, July 2, 1863.

Present for duty 21 officers 240 men, total 261.

Killed 1 officer 4 men. Wounded 6 officers 27 men. Missing 4 men. Total 42.

Erected 1888 by State of Michigan.

https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=15736

118th Pennsylvania Infantry

1st Brigade, 1st Division

— 5th Corps —

(Front and on sides of Crown):

Corn Exchange

118th. Penna. Infantry

1st Brigade

1st Division

5th Corps

(Left):

First Position

July 2d

July 3rd on

Big Round Top

Present at

Gettysburg 332

Killed 3 Wounded 19

Captured or missing 3

(Back):

Recruited in

Philadelphia

Mustered in

Aug. 30, 1862

Mustered out

June 1, 1865.

(Right):

Antietam to

Appomattox

Total enrollment

1500

Killed and mortally

wounded 136

Wounded 330

Captured or missing 290

Erected 1889 by Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=15732

First Brigade

First Division - Fifth Corps

— Army of the Potomac —

Army of the Potomac

Fifth Corps First Division

First Division

Col. William S. Tilton

18th. 22d. Massachusetts 1st. Michigan

118th. Pennsylvania Infantry

July 2 In position in column with the Division and Corps on the Baltimore Pike near Rock Creek until after 4 p.m. then moved with the Division left in front to the support of Third Corps line the Third Brigade having been detached to occupy Little Round Top. The Brigade preceded by Second Brigade crossed Plum Run and the Wheatfield and went into position on the high ground on the edge of woods facing westerly and southerly toward the Rose House. Second Brigade on the left. The Brigade was sharply attacked by Brig. Gen. Kershaw's Brigade and in compliance with orders from Brig. Gen. J. Barnes it retired to the rear and right to the woods across the Wheatfield Road and later to a line extending northerly from Little Round Top.

July 3 Relieved Third Brigade on Little Round Top.

July 4 Remained in position until close of battle except a reconnaissance in front.

Casualties. Killed 2 officers 10 men. Wounded 12 officers 90 men. Captured or missing 11 men. Total 125.

 

Erected 1912 by Gettysburg National Military Park Commission

https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=15731

22nd Massachusetts Infantry

1st Brigade, 1st Division

— 5th Corps —

(Around Upper Facings):

22nd Mass. Infty.

1st Brigade

1st Division

5th Corps

(Left):

First Colonel

Henry Wilson

succeeded by

Jesse A. Cove

Killed June 27, 1862.

(Back):

The

22nd Mass. Infty.

stood here

July 2, 1863

https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=15729

2nd Company Andrew Sharpshooters

July 2nd 1863.

2nd Co Andrew

Sharp Shooters

Mass. Vols.

Erected 1885 by State of Massachusetts.

https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=15728

32nd Massachusetts Infantry

2nd Brigade, 1st Division

— 5th Corps —

 

Here the

32nd Massachusetts Infy.

2nd Brig. 1st. Div. 5th A.C.

withstood an attack of the enemy

about 5 o'clock p.m. July 2, 1863

Withdrawn here, it fought again in the

Wheatfield

Lost in both actions

killed and wounded

79 out of 227 officers and men

 

Erected 1895 by State of Massachusetts.

https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=15726

52nd New York Infantry

3rd Brigade, 1st Division

— 2nd Corps —

(Front):

52nd. N.Y. Infantry

3rd Brig. 1st. Div. 2nd. Corps

July 2nd. 1863. 6 to 7 p.m.

(Back):

Casualties

Killed 2 Wounded 26

Missing 10

Total loss 38

Erected 1893 by State of New York.

https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=15718

66th New York Infantry

3rd Brigade, 1st Division

— 2nd Corps —

66th New York

Infantry;

3rd Brigade,

1st Division,

2nd Corps.

July 2, 1863.

6 p.m.

Casualties:

5 killed,

29 wounded.

10 missing.

Erected 1889 by State of New York.

https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=15725

Third Brigade

First Division - Second Corps

— Army of the Potomac —

Army of the Potomac

Second Corps First Division

Third Brigade

Brig. Gen. Samuel K. Zook

Lieut. Col. John Fraser

52d. 57th. 66th. New York

140th. Pennsylvania Infantry

July 2 Arrived early in the morning and formed on right of Second Brigade on line from Cemetery Hill to Round Top. Between 5 and 6 p.m. advanced with Division to left and entered the Wheatfield and the woods on its right in line of battle forcing the Confederates through the field and the woods to the further end. Brig. Gen. Zook fell mortally wounded in this advance the Brigade being on the right of Division it extended to an open field on the west. The line of Third Corps on the Emmitsburg Road having been forced back and the Division having been flanked by superior forces on its right and left the Brigade retired with the Division and resumed position in line with Corps.

July 3 Constructed entrenchments and held the position until the close of the battle.

Casualties. Killed 7 officers 42 men. Wounded 18 officers 209 men. Captured or missing 4 officers 78 men. Total 358. 

Erected 1912 by Gettysburg National Military Park Commission.

https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=15710

5th Michigan Infantry

Third Brigade, First Division

— Third Corps —

(Front):

5th. Mich. Inf.

Third Brigade

First Division

Third Corps

(Back):

Effective strength

July 2nd 1863

Present and on detached service

21 officers and 262 men

Total 283.

- Casualties -

Killed

2 officers 17 men,

Wounded

8 officers 78 men

Missing

4 men.

Total 109

The Regiment fought here about

4:00 o'clock p.m. July 2nd 1863

after it had been assembled

from the skirmish - line far in

advance of this position. It

moved to the support of the

2nd Corps in resisting Pickett's

charge July 3rd.

Mustered in U.S. service at Detroit Mich, August 28, 1861.

Mustered out at Jeffersonville Ind. July 5, 1865.

Total enrollment 1850 officers and men.

Killed in action: Officers 10 Men 14:

died of wounds: Officers 6 Men 75:

Died of disease: Officers 3 Men 163:

Total:398.

Engaged in 47 battles and skirmishes from Pohick Church Va. Jan. 9. 1862 to Appomattox Va. April 9, 1865.

https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=15706

57th New York Infantry

3rd Brigade, 1st Division

— 2d Corps —

(Front):

57th New York

Infantry,

3d Brigade,

1st Division,

2d Corps.

(Back):

Engaged the enemy here

July 2, 1863.

July 3, on Cemetery Ridge,

resisting Pickett's Attack.

Total number engaged 175

killed 4, wounded 28,

missing 2.

(Right):

Yorktown - White Oak Swamp

Fair Oaks -

Gaines' Mills - Malvern Hill

Peach Orchard - Antietam

Savage Station - Fredericksburg

Chancellorsville.

(Left):

Gettysburg - Wilderness

Mine Run - Tod's Tavern

Auburn Hill - Cold Harbor

Bristoe Station - Petersburg

- Deep Bottom

Ream's Station

 

Erected 1889 by State of New York.

https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=15696

Third Brigade

First Division - Third Corps

— Army of the Potomac —

Army of the Potomac

Third Corps First Division

Third Brigade

Col. P. Regis De Trobriand

17th. Maine 3d. 5th. Michigan 40th. New York

110th. (6 Cos.) Pennsylvania Infantry

July 2 Arrived at 10 a.m. On the advance of the Division between 2 and 3 p.m. the Brigade took position in column between First and Second Brigades for support to either. The 3d Michigan was sent to support First Brigade. The 17th Maine moved across the Wheatfield to the stone wall on the south. The 40th New York was sent to the gorge between the Devils' Den and Little Round Top. The 5th Michigan and 110th Penna. held the summit commanding a ravine in front and east of the Rose buildings until relieved by two Brigades of Fifth Corps when they retired through the Wheatfield where being joined by 17th Maine they held back a superior Confederate force until the arrival of First Division Second Corps when ammunition being exhausted this portion of the Brigade retired and at night was joined by the other regiments.

July 3 In Reserve.

Casualties. Killed 4 officers 71 men. Wounded 28 officers 366 men. Captured or missing 21 men. Total 490.

 

Erected 1912 by Gettysburg National Military Park Commission.

Sources:

Whirlpool of Death: The Wheatfield at Gettysburg" tour on June 8, 2025 with Kristopher White and Gary Adelman of the American Battlefield Trust.

I'm not reprinting their maps, but I am linking to them:

https://www.battlefields.org/learn/maps/gettysburg-wheatfield-and-peach-orchard-july-2-1863-630pm-7pm

https://www.battlefields.org/learn/maps/gettysburg-wheatfield-and-peach-orchard-july-2-1863-7pm-8pm

and

https://www.nps.gov/places/the-wheatfield.htm

https://www.gettysburgbattlefieldtours.com/battlefield-highlights-the-wheatfield/