New Yorkers on Culp's Hill - Gettysburg

The 123rd NY Infantry monument rests among other Union markers on Culp's Hill at Gettysburg. The 123rd was one of several units dispatched from its works on the hill to support the Union left on the second day of fighting, only to return to find Confederates had taken their position in their absence. They later retook their works, then were sent off again to support the defense of Pickett's Charge. (Click image for larger view).

On the crest of Culp's Hill - Gettysburg

The monument to the 60th New York Infantry stands near the crest of Culp's Hill, where that unit joined others in building breastworks to defend the rugged slope just outside the town of Gettysburg. The hill appears here with thick underbrush, but at the time of the battle it had much less growth under its canopy of trees, making it easier for the defenders to find targets among advancing Confederates trying to take the hill from below. (Click image for larger view).

Geary on Culp's Hill - Gettysburg

The monument to Brigadier General John Geary stands on Culp's Hill at Gettysburg. The men of Geary's division dug in and created formidable breastworks on the hill that were soon to be tested. After being sent to a different part of the field, his men had to fight their way back to their works after mistakenly being marched off the battlefield, then ordered to their original position. (Click image for larger view).

Rocky slope of Culp's Hill - Gettysburg

Union monuments stand among the boulders of Culp's Hill that helped turned the Gettyburg rise into a stronghold. "Our position and the front were covered with a heavy growth of timber, free from undergrowth, with large ledges of rock projecting above the surface," reported Brigadier General George Greene. "These rocks and trees offered good cover for marksmen." The breastworks or "rifle pits" created on the hill would soon be the focus of the fight. (Click image for larger view).

First Long Island - Culp's Hill, Gettysburg

The First Long Island (67th New York) Infantry monument stands on Culp's Hill, scene of fierce fighting at Gettysburg. The New Yorkers were fortunate in this battle, however, being ordered in after the heavy fighting had passed and suffering light casualties compared to others in the sector. (Click image for larger view).