Gettysburg Sculptures

Major - General Henry Warner Slocum

Born: Sept. 18th, 1827 - Died April 14th 1894

Henry Warner Slocum was born in Delphi a hamlet of Onondaga New York.  Educated at the Cazenovia Seminary, Slocum would find employment as a teacher.  Slocum would enter the United States Military Academy graduating in 1852, seventh in his class of forty-three. Serving in the Seminole Wars and other locations, Slocum would spend time while in garrison studying law. Resigning his commission, he would practice law in Syracuse New York.

At the outbreak of the Civil War, Slocum would re-enter the military as Colonel of the 27th New York Infantry. Slocum would command a brigade and several divisions before his appointment to command the XII Corps on October 20, 1862. 

At Gettysburg, Slocum in command of the 12th Corps and the famous "right wing" arrived several miles from the battlefield on July 1, 1863. Slocum would hesitate to bring his men to Gettysburg. This delay would earn him the name "slow come."

When the southern army attacked the northern battle line on July 2nd, Slocum would supply troops. He would leave a lone brigade to occupy Culp's Hill. This brigade, supported by other northern troops would hold off an evening southern attack.

At General Meade's July 2nd evening meeting with his Corps commanders, when asked of his opinion about the Army of the Potomac staying at Gettysburg, Slocum stated "stay and fight it out."

After Gettysburg, Slocum with his Corps would be transferred to the western campaigns. Here he would do great service with Sherman's army resigning from the army on September 28, 1865.

After the war Slocum would return to civilian life working as a lawyer and serve several terms in Congress. He would hold several civilian positions until his death in 1894. 

Dedication Day of the Slocum Monument.