East Cavalry Field

On the morning of July 3, this ground was occupied by a brigade of four Michigan regiments and a battery of horse artillery under the command of newly promoted Brig. Gen. George A. Custer.

Discovering no sign of Stuart, the 1st New Jersey Cavalry moved forward around 2 pm from the Lott House to this position to investigate Rummel’s Woods. Within moments, dismounted Confederates from Brig. Gen. Albert Jenkins’ Virginia Brigade appeared from behind the Rummel house and barn, formed a line and opened fire. The US troops held their ground and repelled the Confederates.

On this stretch of open ground halfway between the opposing lines, the last charge by Lee’s and Hampton’s 3,600 horsemen was defeated. As the compact lines of horsemen crossed these fields heading for the Union positions along the Hanover Road, they were attacked on 3 sides by McIntosh’s and Custer’s 3,200 men.

From this commanding position on Cress Ridge, General Stuart prepared his cavalry and artillery to attack Gregg’s and Custer’s position. Stuart arranged his 19 regiments, numbering 5,000 in a line behind and to the northeast of Rummel’s Woods to keep them hidden from enemy scouts.