Union monuments at Gettysburg > New York > Cavalry
The monument to the 9th New York Cavalry Regiment is west of Gettysburg on Buford Avenue. (Buford Avenue tour map)
About the monument
The monument was dedicated on the battle’s 25th anniversary in 1888. It features a large bronze relief titled, “Discovering the enemy,” created by sculptor Caspar Buberl. A bronze relief of the Seal of the State of New York is at the base of the monument, and another relief, of crossed sabers representing the Cavalry branch, is at the top.
The 9th New York Cavalry at Gettysburg
The 9th New York Cavalry Regiment was commanded at the Battle of Gettysburg by Colonel William Sackett. It brought 395 men to the field, losing two killed, two wounded and seven missing. It was assigned to the 2nd Brigade, 1st Division, Cavalry Corps.
The 9th New York claimed that the first shot of the battle was fired by its Corporal Alpheus Hodges, who was in charge of a four man picket post on Chambersburg Pike. But in a controversy that continues to this day, the claim was challenged by the 8th Illinois Cavalry, who held their Lieutenant Marcellus Jones had the honor. Jones went so far as to erect his own marker on Chambersburg Pike, the First Shot Marker, which was one of the earliest monuments on the battlefield. The 9th New York successfully defended its claims before the Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association at the unveiling of the monument in 1888, and currently the monuments of both regiments claim the honor.
From the front of the monument:
9th New York Cavalry
2d Brig., 1st Div., Cavalry Corps
Bronze bas-relief by sculptor Caspar Buberl, “Discovering the Enemy”
From the tablet on the rear of the monument:
Enlisted Oct. 1, 1861. Re-enlisted Jan.2, 1864.
Mustered out July 17, 1865.
Total enlistments among which losses occurred, 1981.
Losses during service
Killed in action, 63, died of wounds 32, others wounded 270.
Died while prisoners, 16, others captured, 125, battle losses 506.
Killed accidentally, 3; died of disease, 110, aggregate losses, 619.
Battles and skirmishes 141.
Battle flags captured, 5.
Principal engagements
Williamsburg, Pope’s Campaign, Beverly Ford, Ashby’s Gap, Gettysburg, Williamsport, Brandy Station, Wilderness, Yellow Tavern, Meadow Bridge, Cold Harbor, Trevilian Station, Deep Bottom, Smithfield, Leetown, Winchester, Port Republic, Tom’s Brook, Cedar Creek, Gordonsville, Waynesboro, Dinwiddie C.H., Five Forks, Sailors Creek, Appomattox
Bas-relief of Colonel Sackett from rear of monument
From around the bas-relief of Colonel Sackett:
Colonel William Sackett, commanding regiment,
killed at Trevilian Station, Va. June 11, 1864
From the rear of the monument:
Position 8 a.m. July 1, 1863.
Picket on Chambersburg Road
fired on at 5 a.m.
Location of the monument
The monument to the 9th New York Volunteer Cavalry Regiment is northwest of Gettysburg on the east side of Buford Avenue about 200 yards south of Mummasburg Road. (39°50’45.4″N 77°14’45.9″W)