Moved Massachusetts Monuments

[Gettysburg Greg]

In the mid 1880's, three Massachusetts Regiments placed their monuments on the south side of the Copse of Trees. Their intention was to show where they advanced to help stop the breakthrough at the Copse during Pickett's Charge. However, in December of 1887, the GBMA adopted the "line of battle" rule. Now, a unit wishing to place a monument would have to do it upon a regiments line of battle position, that is, a position assigned to the unit before combat began. The Massachusetts men objected to moving their monuments back to their original line of battle, but in 1888 all three monuments were moved without the knowledge of the veterans. To mollify the Massachusetts veterans, the GBMA placed bronze markers on the south side of the Copse that described the movement of each unit. Below is a ca. 1886 photo showing all three Mass. monuments on the south side of the Copse of Trees in their original location. Note that on the left is the 20th Mass Monument platform before the Puddingstone we see today was delivered. On the bottom is a modern view showing the monuments now replaced by the bronze plaques and Cowans' Battery monument now in place.

 

[Tom Elmore]

I can see where the 19th and 20th Massachusetts had a viable claim to the original monument positions. Here's my map showing them closing in on the copse at an estimated time of 3:06 p.m., July 3:

 

[Gettysburg Greg]

I can see where the 19th and 20th Massachusetts had a viable claim to the original monument positions. Here's my map showing them closing in on the copse at an estimated time of 3:06 p.m., July 3:

View attachment 435879

Great map, thanks for adding.

 

[Gettysburg Guide #154]

Great photo, Greg. I presume the monument furthest to the right is the 15th Massachusetts. Interestingly, in your photo the front of the monument appears to be a bas relief cut into a white colored stone. (Or is that the back of the monument?) The front of that monument today is a bas relief in bronze.

 

[infomanpa]

I can see where the 19th and 20th Massachusetts had a viable claim to the original monument positions. Here's my map showing them closing in on the copse at an estimated time of 3:06 p.m., July 3:

View attachment 435879

Nice map. Hopefully, a preview of your next series.

 

[infomanpa]

In the mid 1880's, three Massachusetts Regiments placed their monuments on the south side of the Copse of Trees. Their intention was to show where they advanced to help stop the breakthrough at the Copse during Pickett's Charge. However, in December of 1887, the GBMA adopted the "line of battle" rule. Now, a unit wishing to place a monument would have to do it upon a regiments line of battle position, that is, a position assigned to the unit before combat began. The Massachusetts men objected to moving their monuments back to their original line of battle, but in 1888 all three monuments were moved without the knowledge of the veterans. To mollify the Massachusetts veterans, the GBMA placed bronze markers on the south side of the Copse that described the movement of each unit. Below is a ca. 1886 photo showing all three Mass. monuments on the south side of the Copse of Trees in their original location. Note that on the left is the 20th Mass Monument platform before the Puddingstone we see today was delivered. On the bottom is a modern view showing the monuments now replaced by the bronze plaques and Cowans' Battery monument now in place.
View attachment 435860

Great comparison. I learned something new. Also, I liked seeing the trees 140 years ago. Surprisingly, they don't look that much different from today.

 

[RochesterBill]

I can see where the 19th and 20th Massachusetts had a viable claim to the original monument positions. Here's my map showing them closing in on the copse at an estimated time of 3:06 p.m., July 3:

View attachment 435879

Well, I don't think there's much question that, under a different positioning philosophy, everybody understands why they think their monuments should be further forward.

But the RULE is that monuments are to be placed in their line of battle position. They don't have to like it, they can prefer to have it elsewhere, but asking them to abide by the same rules as everyone else is logical, fair and defensible.

And they did get separate bronze markers that commemorate their eventual position. They really have no complaint.

 

[James N.]

Great photo, Greg. I presume the monument furthest to the right is the 15th Massachusetts. Interestingly, in your photo the front of the monument appears to be a bas relief cut into a white colored stone. (Or is that the back of the monument?) The front of that monument today is a bas relief in bronze.

I suppose the sign at left in this photo taken by my friend Doug from the cab of his truck is also that of the 15th Mass.?

 

[infomanpa]

I suppose the sign at left in this photo taken by my friend Doug from the cab of his truck is also that of the 15th Mass.?

That's correct.