Battle of Monterey Pass/Michigan Cavalry Brigade - Waynesboro PA
Posted by: 
Don.Morfe
N 39° 44.274 W 077° 28.770
18S E 287531 N 4401607
Monterey Pass Battlefield Park--(Side 1) Battle of Monterey Pass
(Side 2) Michigan Cavalry Brigade
Waymark Code: WM12HB4
Location: Pennsylvania, United States
Date Posted: 05/29/2020
Views: 1
Monterey Pass Battlefield Park--(Side 1) Battle of Monterey Pass
During a torrential rainstorm on the night of July 4-5, 1863, the Michigan Cavalry Brigade moved to intercept the retreating Army of Northern Virginia by attacking the miles-long wagon train of the Second Corps, and its cavalry escort at this location. The opposing troops collided in hand-to-hand combat in the narrow pass. The 5th Michigan Cavalry, led by Colonel Russell A. Alger, future Secretary of War and Michigan Governor, charged up the eastern slope an across Red Run Creek Bridge. Although “nothing was discernible a half dozen paces ahead,” Union forces triumphed. By 3:00 A.M. they had taken many supplies and captured thirteen hundred Confederate prisoners. Michigan Historical Commission-Michigan Historical Center, Registered State site No. 728. 2012.This marker is the property of the State of Michigan.
(side 2)
Michigan Cavalry Brigade
The Michigan Cavalry Brigade was formed in December 1862 of the 5th, 6th and 7th Michigan Cavalry regiments with General Joseph T. Copeland commanding. In June 1863 the addition of the 1st Michigan Cavalry and Battery M, 2nd U.S. Artillery, completed the brigade. On the eve of the Battle of Gettysburg, George A. Custer of Monroe assumed command with his promotion to brigadier general. On July 3, 1863, the brigade helped repulse General J.E.B. Stuart’s Confederate cavalry. It fought in every major campaign of the Army of the Potomac until the surrender of General Lee at Appomattox Court House in April 1865. Nine brigade members received Medals of Honor for heroism during the Civil War.
Michigan Historical Commission-Michigan Historical Center
Registered State Site No. 726, 2012
This marker is the property of the State of Michigan
Location: Monterey Pass Battlefield Park-At the intersection of Buchanan Trail East (Pennsylvania Route 16) and Charmian Road-14325 Buchanan Trail East, Waynesboro PA 17268,
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