The Breakthrough – Egbert Olcott wayside marker

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The Breakthrough - Egburt Olcott wayside marker

The Breakthrough 

Colonel Olcott and his regiment crossed the entrenchments about 350 yards to the northeast of this position (to your right) during their attack on April 2, 1865. His experience was similar to that of the Vermont troops who fought on this ground: “When the order to advance was given the regiment moved rapidly forward maintaining a good line until within about 200 yards of the enemy’s works, when the second line was moved a short distance by the left flank and then forward again. This, together with the darkness and the character of the ground, divided the regiment somewhat, most of the men with the colors entering the works farther to the right than intended.” Olcott survived the assault and was mustered out of service in June 1865.

Colonel Egbert Olcott
121st New York Inf, 2nd Brigade, 1st Division (Wheaton), Sixth Corps
Resident: Albany, New York
Enlisted: September 1861

The Breakthrough - Egburt Olcott wayside marker

Location of the marker

The Breakthrough – Egbert Olcott wayside markeris on the Breakthrough trail at Pamplin Historical Park near Petersburg, Virginia. (37° 11.033′ N, 77° 28.283′ W)