Farnsworth's Cavalry Charge

One of the last and most futile engagements at Gettysburg occurred here at the end of the third day, when Union cavalry commanded by Brig. Gen. Judson Kilpatrick moved into the area to harass the rear and right of the Confederate line. While the Confederates to the north in Pickett's Charge had been badly beaten, the Southern position here remained strong. About 5:00 p.m., Kilpatrick ordered Brig. Gen. Elon J. Farnsworth to lead a cavalry charge against Confederate infantry in the fields and woods surrounding the Slyder Farm. Farnsworth protested that sending cavalry against foot soldiers over ground obstructed by fences, boulders, ditches, and timber would be suicidal, but Kilpatrick refused to reconsider. Farnsworth obeyed and rode out with some 300 troopers into deadly fire from all sides. Horsemen were shot from their saddles, and Farnsworth fell on the rugged hillside with five mortal wounds, it is said with his saber raised.

Freedom Township, Pennsylvania · United States