Union monuments at Gettysburg > United States Regulars > Cavalry
The monument to the 5th United States Cavalry is about 75 yards west of Ridge Road on the South Cavalry Field. It is probably one of the least visited monuments on the Gettysburg battlefield.
Captain Julius Mason commanded the 5th U.S. Cavalry at Gettysburg. He was a native of Towanda, Pennsylvania and earned a master’s degree in engineering from the Kentucky Military Institute. Mason was working at the Brooklyn Water Works at the outbreak of the war when he joined the army. He was appointed to the 5th Cavalry as a second lieutenant, and was awarded a brevet of major for gallant and meritorious services at Brandy Station. Shortly afterward he took command of the regiment.
The regiment’s attack on Lee’s flank after Pickett’s Charge took place on the west side of Emmitsburg Road near the markers for detachments of the 1st and 2nd United States Cavalry.
From the monument
Army of the Potomac
Cavalry Corps
Reserve Brigade First Division
Fifth U.S. Cavalry
Capt. Julius W. Mason commanding
Detachment at Headquarters Army of the Potomac
July 3 Moved with the Brigade at 12m. under Brig. General W. Merritt from Emmitsburg and attacked the Confederate right and rear and was engaged for four hours until the action was brought to a close by a heavy rain.
Casualties: wounded 4 men missing 1 man
Path to the 5th United States Cavalry monument
Location of the monument to the 5th U.S. Cavalry Regiment at Gettysburg
The monument is about three miles south of Gettysburg on the west side of Ridge Road about 0.5 mile east of Emmitsburg Road. A trail leads about 75 yards west from Ridge Road to the monument. (39°46’39.7″N 77°15’12.1″W)
See more on the history of the 5th United States Cavalry Regiment in the Civil War