Sculpted by Gary Casteel
 
1863 Signed and Numbered Limited Edition Monument Replicas
 
The Third United States Infantry Regiment is the oldest regiment still active in the United States Army and was organized as the First American Regiment in 1784.  After the War of 1812, it was consolidated with other regiments to form the Third U.S. Infantry, based on the seniority of the then regimental commanders.  Also, known as “The Old Guard,” they fought at the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863 as part of the Army of the Potomac’s Fifth Corps.
 
The brigade arrived in Gettysburg from the Baltimore Pike on the morning of July 2nd and took a position near the Twelfth Corps’ line, briefly camping near Power’s Hill.  The brigade was then ordered to support Brig. Gen. John C. Caldwell’s division as it advanced into the Wheatfield.
 
Around 5 p.m., they advanced across Plum Run near Little Round Top and supported the Second Brigade in its advance to the crest of the rocky wooded hill beyond and facing to the left.  They engaged the Confederates but returned under a deadly fire after the Confederates had gained a position in the Wheatfield in the rear of the Brigade and took position on east slope of Little Round Top.
 
Although accounts vary as to the orderliness of the retreat, one soldier in Gen. Stephen H. Weed’s brigade on Little Round Top was later quoted as saying: “For two years the U.S. Regulars taught us how to be soldiers, in the Wheatfield at Gettysburg, they taught us how to die like soldiers.” The Regulars reportedly did not break rank and fired several volleys as they retreated towards Capt. Frank C. Gibbs’ Battery L, 1st Ohio Artillery.  Four of Gibbs’ guns were at the base of Little Round Top and two were located in the approximate location of their monument on the battlefield.  Gibbs’ battery wanted to fire canister into the advancing Confederates, so soldiers in the artillery battery waved their hats to Caldwell’s men and the Regulars, urging them to double-quick across the valley so that the artillery could open fire.  
 
Today, “The Old Guard,” is known for the ceremonial duties it performs at military funerals, Presidential ceremonies, and guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery.
 
The monument is located south of Gettysburg on the east side of the Ayers Avenue loop on the east side of the Avenue.