Tuesday, September 27, 2011

The Second Brigade, Third Division, First Corps
The Pennsylvania Bucktail Brigade



Brigade marker for 2nd Brigade, 3rd Division of the 1st Corps
It is located near the McPherson Barn on Stone Avenue
 It reads:
 ARMY OF THE POTOMAC
First Corps Third Division 
Second Brigade
Col. Roy Stone Col. Langhorne Wister
Col. Edmund L. Dana

143rd 149th 150th Pennsylvania Infantry
July 1.     Arrived and went into position at McPherson buildings between Reynolds Woods and the Railroad Cut and was subjected to a heavy front and enfilading artillery fire from the right. Repulsed repeated attacks of Brig. Daniel's Brigade Major Gen. Rodes's Division from the right as well as front attacks until pressed on both flanks and in front by superior numbers. It retired to Seminary Ridge and held temporary breast works there until the Corps retired before overwhelming numbers to Cemetery Hill when the Brigade with the Division took position at the left of the cemetery on and near the Taneytown Road.
July 2.     Late in the afternoon moved to left and took position previously occupied by First Division Second Corps 
July 3.     Remained in the same position under the heavy artillery fire in the afternoon.
The strength of the Brigade July 1st 1315
Casualties Killed 4 Officers 105 Men Wounded 35 Officers 430 Men Captured or Missing 8 Officers 271 Men Total 853




Colonel Roy Stone 
Colonel Langhorne Wister



                   


























Colonel Edmund Dana










143rd Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment
143rd Pennsylvania Monument on Chambersburg Pike


Located on The Chambersburg Pike (modern US 30) the monument represents the position held by the regiment from 11am July 1, 1863 until they fell back to Seminary Ridge.  The soldier on the front of the monument represents Sergeant Ben Crippen shaking his fist at the Confederates as his regiment retreats.  He was killed shortly after this act of defiance, and his body was never recovered and most likely is in an unknown grave at the National Cemetery.


Dedicated:  September 11, 1889


Commander:  Colonel Edmund L. Dana, who took over the Brigade for Colonel Stone (after he was wounded in the hips and arm during the fighting.), Lieutenant Colonel John D. Musser then took command of the regiment.
Number Engaged: 515


Casualties: 21 killed, 141 wounded, 91 missing


Raised:  Luzerne, Susquehanna, Wyoming and Lycoming counties.



Major Events and Battles:  Organized at Wilkes-Barre October 18, 1862; Chancellorsville; Bristoe Campaign; Wilderness; Spotsylvania; North Anna; Cold Harbor; Petersburg; Mustered out June 12, 1865


Medal of Honor Awardee
Sergeant James M. Rutter 
Company C, 143d Pennsylvania Infantry.
For actions at Gettysburg, Pa., 1 July 1863. 
Date of issue: 30 October 1896. 
Citation: At great risk of his life went to the assistance of a wounded comrade, and while under fire removed him to a place of safety.


Sergeant James M. Rutter MOH






Secondary Monument to the 143rd Pennsylvania
There is a secondary monument on Hancock Avenue that marks the position held by the regiment on July 3, 1863.  It is south of the Copse of Trees, and was erected in 1895.





149th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment 

"1st Regiment Bucktail Brigade"
149th Pennsylvania Monument on the Chambersburg Pike

Located on the Chambersburg Pike at the McPherson Barn, it represents the position held by the regiment from 1130 on Juy 1 until they retired to the Seminary and eventually to Cemetery Hill in the afternoon.

On July 1, 1863 in fighting along the Chambersburg Pike the regiment endured heavy losses as a result of  Confederate artillery. On July 1, all of the officers of the 149th were either killed or wounded.  In fact, three men were killed by a single shot.   Lt. Col. Dwight sent the colors fifty yards north to draw fire away from the regiment. This worked, although when the regiment retreated the colors were lost, in spite of the heroic death of Color Sergeant Henry Brehm, who was shot down after he had fought off a party of attackers and was running to return the colors to the retreating regiment.

Dedication Date:  September 11, 1889.

Commander: Col. Walton Dwight. Wounded on July 1.

Number Engaged: 450

Casualties: 53 killed, 172 wounded, 111 missing (336 total)

Raised: Clearfield, Huntingdon, Lebanon, Mifflin, Potter, and Tioga counties Pennsylvania

Significant Battles and Events:  Organized at Harrisburg August, 1862, Chancellorsville, Bristoe Campaign, Haymarket, Wilderness, Spotsylvania, North Anna, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Mustered out June 24, 1865



Secondary Monuments and Markers


There is a secondary monument located on Hancock Avenue, it was dedicated on October 20, 1866, it represents the position held by the regiment on July 3, 1863 when they were used in support of Stannard's Brigade.  It was originally located on Reynolds Avenue and was moved to this location in 1889.

149th Pennsylvania Monument on Hancock Avenue

There is also a monument to D company of the 149th located at the intersection of West Confederate Avenue and Fairfield Road.  
It was dedicated in 1886 and honors the memory of Joseph Baldwin who was killed near this spot, and Alex Stuart who was mortally wounded near this spot.  Company D was detached as Provost Guard.  They held this location on the evening of July 1, 1863 for about 20 minutes covering the regiment's retreat.

Monument to Company D, 149th Pennsylvania




150th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment


150th Pennsylvania Monument on Stone Avenue
(McPherson Barn in background)


Located on Stone Avenue by the McPherson Barn it represents the location held by the regiment on the afternoon of July 1, 1863.

The regiment was initially under the command of Colonel Wister, who took over command of the brigade.  Lt Col Huidekoper held command of the regiment until he was wounded, Capt. Jones then took command.  Huidekoper received the Medal of Honor for continuing in a command role after being wounded.

Dedication Date:  September 11, 1889.



Commander: Col. Langhorne Wister

Number Engaged: 397

Casualties: 35 killed, 152 wounded, 77 missing (264 total)



Raised: Philadelphia and the counties of Crawford, McKean, and Union, 

Major Battles and Events:  Organized at Philadelphia and Harrisburg September 4, 1862, Chancellorsville, Bristoe, Mine Run, The Wilderness,  Spottsylvania, North Anna, Petersburg, Cold Harbor, Mustered out June 23, 1865.  Company K assigned as body guards to Lincoln from Febrary 63 to muster out.


Secondary Monuments and Markers

There is a secondary monument on Hancock Avenue.  It represents the position held by the regiment on July 3, 1863.  It was originally in the area of the main monument shown above, but moved when the larger monument was placed in 1889.


Secondary monument to the 150th Pennsylvania
Located on Hancock Avenue





Medal of Honor Awardees

Lt. Colonel Henry S. Huidekoper

150th Pennsylvania
For actions at Gettysburg Pennsylvania, July 1, 1863.
Issued May 27, 1905.
Citation: While engaged in repelling an attack of the enemy, received a severe wound of the right arm, but instead of retiring remained at the front in command of the regiment.


 
Lt. Colonel Henry S. Huidekoper, MOH


Corporal Monroe J. Reisinger
Company H, 150th Pennsylvania
For actions at Gettysburg on July 1, 1863
Awarded January 25th 1907
 Citation: Specially brave and meritorious conduct in the face of the enemy.
Grave of Sergeant Monroe J. Reisinger MOH 
Note that he was promoted after the actions for which he was awarded the Medal of Honor


Sadly I couldn't find a picture of  Corporal Reisinger.  As always, if you have anything you'd like to add, please feel free to comment.


Sunday, September 18, 2011

149th Anniversary of the Battle of Antietam

The 149th Anniversary of the Battle of Antietam
(or the Battle of Sharpsburg if you have rebel type leanings)

Yesterday (Sept. 17th) I traveled to Maryland for the 149th anniversary of the Battle of Antietam.  I've never been at a battlefield on an anniversary date, but from talking to folks that have been to Gettysburg, I wasn't sure quite what to expect (large crowds, traffic nightmares, etc).  I woke at 3am and was on the road by 3:15 for the drive from Pittsburgh.  It was a chilly 50 (or so) degrees, but the roads were devoid of traffic so I made great time.

Sunrise at The Cornfield (Antietam)
I arrived at the battlefield shortly after 6am, with plenty of time to spare for the sunrise walk of The Cornfield.  Driving past the Dunkard Church I saw an encampment of Confederate reenactors, smelling the smoke of their morning campfires made me a little jealous of their experience this weekend.  There was a crowd of about 80 of us at The Cornfield.  I watched a beautiful red sunrise over the mountains to the east.  We were joined by 5 park rangers who read quotes from the soldiers who fought at The Cornfield.  One of the rangers gave us a running timeline of the events as they occurred in The Cornfield on that morning 149 years ago.  It was truly a moving experience.  If I did nothing more at the battlefield, the time I spent in The Cornfield would have made the trip worthwhile.

You may have noticed I capitalize The Cornfield when I write of it.  There is a reason.  More than 25,00 men fought in this area (of about 27 acres), in about three hours upwards of 8,000 were killed or wounded during the two Union attacks and a Confederate counter attack (all in about 3 hours).  Of particular notes the 12th Massachusetts suffered 224 men killed and wounded out of 334 engaged (as casualty rate of 67%) by percentage it was the highest loss for any Union regiment at the battle; the 1st Texas Infantry (CSA) lost 82% of their men engaged, representing the highest loss by percentage for the Confederate army.

"In the time I am writing every stalk of corn in the northern and greater part of the field was cut as closely as could have been done with a knife, and the slain lay in rows precisely as they had stood in their ranks a few moments before."  General Joesph Hooker 1st Corps Union Army.


Privately owned field approaching Cornfield Avenue
The visitor center opened at 08:30, I paid my admission for the day, took a quick walk around the bookstore and killed time until the 09:00 start of the first part of the all day battlefield hike.
There were almost 150 of us that started the all day hike, we met at the rear of the visitor center.  After a brief discussion (including warnings about groundhog holes), and a group photo, we were given an up to this moment account of the battle.  Off we started through the field behind the visitor center towards the Smoketown Road.  It was kind of interesting when you realize that we were a fairly organized group, but had "straggling" in a distance of less than 1/4 of a mile.  Now multiply our group of 150 to an army of 100,000 and the logistics of moving an army from one position to another becomes a little more understandable.  We crossed through private property eventually winding up on Cornfield Avenue.  The part of the battle that occurred there was discussed as well as several specific regiments that had fought there.  We were also told the story of Union bugler John Cook.  He was a 15 year old musician at the time of the battle serving with Battery B, 4th US Artillery.  When the company's captain was wounded, Cook assisted his captain to safety and returned to the guns.  As many of the cannoneers were wounded, Cook helped load and fire the cannons in the face of an enemy attack occurring just yards in front of him.  As a result of his actions Bugler Johnny Cook was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1894.  He is one of the youngest recipients of this award.
Bugler Johnny Cook MOH
We continued the morning part of our hike south on the Hagerstown Pike to the approach of the West Woods. There we discussed the attack (and repulse) of Sedgwick's 2nd Division of Sumner's 2nd Corps.  In a period of about 20 minutes, the 2nd Division suffered 2,200 casualties.  We also had a spirited discussion regarding Union General George McClellan.  Our Rangers had explained that they were using a more even handed approach discussion McClellan and his actions at Antietam.  The essence of their point was that McClellan was 35 years old when he was given command of the Army of The Potomac.  When you take into consideration his youth, and the overall lack of experience (not just his, but everybody's) in dealing with the numbers of personnel, the logistics associated with it, and essentially having the future of the nation resting on your shoulders, he did as well as could be expected.  There were some in the group with differing opinions that they had no problems voicing.  My opinion (though I kept it to myself) is that he was great at organizing and training an army.  He was lacking in leading that army into a battle.  But enough on that subject.
We also discussed the area of the Philadelphia Brigade Monument.  The land was purchased by the City of Philadelphia after the war for their monument.  Eventually the land (and monument) was sold to the Park Service for the princely sum of one dollar.  An interesting part of the sales agreement was that the Park Service would preserve the appearance of the area in perpetuity, which is why despite efforts to have the battlefield appear the way it did on the day of the battle, this area will not.

Philadelphia Brigade Monument (photo taken spring 2009)
Have I mentioned the rain?  It wasn't particularly heavy, but it was enough to soak the grasses in the fields where we were traipsing.  Fortunately, I brought extra dry socks...unfortunately, I neglected to bring extra dry shoes.

We also had a few moments of surprise when an artillery demonstration was occurring in the area of the New York Monument.  Nothing like a loud unexpected explosion to start your heart.

Artillery Demonstration behind New York Monument
We headed back to the visitor center for a quick break where were privileged to see a group of Confederate reenactors before continuing our morning tour.

Confederate Reenactors
We continued to a row of cannons between the visitor center and Mumma Lane, the battery is the position held by the Rhode Island Battery of Captain John Tompkins.  This battery provided support for advancing infantry and counter battery fire against Confederate artillery across the valley on the Piper Farm.  Tomkins' Battery had 6 guns rather than the 4 represented here.  During the 3 hours they held this position they fired 1,050 rounds.

Union Artillery position (Mumma Road in background)

Down the rain slickened trail (to the left of the trees in the above picture) we walked, making our way to the Roulette Farm.  Two Divisions of the 2nd Corps walked through Roulette's fields on their way to the Sunken (Bloody) Lane.  Roulette's House and barn were both used as field hospitals.  After the battle, there were 700 soldiers buried in his fields.
Roulette Farm (house obscured by tree, barn on right)
We advanced through the fields between Roulette's Farm and the Sunken Road.  Roughly 200 yards from the Sunken Road, we formed a double line stretching across the area that the Irish Brigade occupied.  Due to the nature of the terrain (rolling hills) from the center position of the line (where I was) one couldn't see the far right or left of the line.  There was a rise in front of my position that would have sheltered me from fire that wasn't present on either of my flanks.

Hills approaching Sunken (Bloody) Lane,
The Observation Tower sits at the far end of  the lane.
The Sunken (Bloody) Lane was held by Rodes' Brigade and Anderson's Brigade of D.H.Hill's Division.  The nature of the lane being below grade and hills that Union troops had to cover to get to it made for a violent segment of this battle.  Union troops were silhouetted against the sky as they crested the hills only about 100 or so yards from the lane.  This combined with piecemeal attacks led to high casualty rates for the Union.  Eventually the right side of the Confederate line was flanked by Union troops who turned the sunken road into a shooting alley.  Confederate losses were approximately 2,500 men (including the mortally wounded General George Anderson), Union losses were about 3,00 (including the mortally wounded General Israel Richardson)

Mortuary Cannon showing location of the mortal wounding
of Major General Israel Richardson
Picture taken Spring 2009

Bloody Lane
(our approach was from the left)
Picture taken Spring 2009
From here we took a one hour break for lunch.  We were to meet up at Rohrbach Campground on the south side of Sharpsburg.  The directions we received were simple enough, drive on Md 65, cross Main Street to Church Street, continue about a mile (just after you cross Antietam Creek) you will see the campground on the left.  Great...except it was "Sharpsburg Heritage Days".  Main Street was closed for multiple street vendors, and there was a detour that I could have walked through faster than the drive was.  I wish I had known about the festivities, I would have planned my day better to at least have checked them out.  As it was, I choked down a sandwich that had been in my cooler all morning and chugged a couple bottles of water to chase it while sitting in traffic.  I made it to the campground with about ten minutes to spare.


We left the campground parking area and negotiated a Boy Scout encampment...that brought back fond memories watching them sitting around a campfire.  There is always the one kid who likes to sit in the smoke.  (that was usually me, but I grew up to become a firefighter)
We walked along the Union Advance Trail where Burnside's 9th Corps advance towards Antietam Creek and the Rohrbach (now Burnside's) Bridge.  We passed by the quarry on the east side of the creek where rocks were quarried for the building of the bridge.  The hillside was extremely steep on the direct approach to the bridge.  This was the area that Crook's Brigade and the 11th Connecticut made their initial attack.  Nagle's Brigade made the second movement on the bridge (but failed in their attempt).  Finally Ferraro's Brigade (notably the 51st Pa and the 51st New York) took the bridge following the promise of whiskey.  The 9th Corps suffered 500 casualties in their attempts to secure the bridge, to 160 suffered by Confederate forces.  There is a tree at the base of the bridge on the eastern side of the creek that is a known witness tree.  It is present in a famous picture taken by Alexander Gardner just 4 days after the battle.  Believe it or not, the bridge was open to vehicular traffic until 1966.

Burnside Bridge from east of Antietam Creek
Witness tree on left behind wall
We crossed the bridge and climbed the hill to the positions held by Toombs's Brigade (notably the 2nd and 20th Georgia), to the right of the trail we could see the remnants of rifle pits that were used by Georgian's charged with holding the position.  Just before we approached the McKinley Monument there were reenactors encamped representing members of the Kanawha Division of the 9th Corps.  They were nice enough to do a manual of arms for us and pose for a few pictures.

Unstacking rifles for manual of arms demonstration

We continued along hillsides and trails...
Final attack trail to 16th Connecticut Memorial

finally stopping at the 16th Connecticut Memorial.  We reviewed the battle at this point when A.P.Hill's Corps arrived from Harper's Ferry to turn the left flank of the 9th Corps line.  There the 4th Rhode Island, the 16th Connecticut (who had loaded their rifles for the first time the night before the battle), the 8th Connecticut were driven back from left to right along the left flank of the 9th Corps.  I don't know the exact number of casualties suffered but the Rangers said it was 4-5x the number suffered at the Burnside Bridge, so 2000-2500 sounds about right.


Along the way we were able to see the Union artillery position on a ridge line about 1/2 mile away from our position.  24 guns were positioned there and played prominently in the day's battle.
Clear ridge on right side of picture is site of Union Artillery Position
An interesting side note regarding this part of the battle.  The five Confederate Generals who played a significant part in this battle did not survive the war.  Brigadier General Lawrence Branch was killed about 200 yards in front of the 16th Connecticut Memorial. Brigadier General Maxcy Gregg was killed along Jackson's line at Fredericksburg in December of 1862. Brigadier General David R. Jones died of a heart attack in January of 1863.  Brigadier General James Archer was taken prisoner at Gettysburg and after being exchanged died of ill health outside of Petersburg in October 1864.  Major General A.P. Hill was killed outside of Petersburg Virginia a week before the war ended.

16th Connecticut Memorial

Thus ended the 2 part all day battlefield hike.  A member of our group had a pedometer with him, we had hiked as a group about 8 miles.  My feet, ankles and knees felt every bit of it too.  I wouldn't trade the experience for a million dollars and plan to repeat it next September.

My day wasn't done though...

There was a twilight tour of the National Cemetery given by Rev. John Schildt.  He was a fascinating individual.  Besides being an author, he served in the US Army on D-Day and was part of the assault on Normandy.  A true hero in my book.
I got there a little early and had the opportunity to take a couple pictures of "Old Simon" the monument to the private soldier that is the focal point of the cemetery.

"Old Simon"
The inscription reads, "Not for themselves, but for their country."

We started the tour with information on the cemetery itself, the design, the history etc.  Then we went to see significant parts of the cemetery.  There are 4776 Union soldiers buried here of those 1835 are known but to God.  There are 200 + soldiers from wars through the Korean War buried here.  The cemetery was officially closed to new burials in 1953.  

Unknown Soldier Grave

Until 1902 unknown soldier's graves were marked with a stone like the one above.  The first number is the plot number for the cemetery, the lower number is how many soldiers occupy that grave.


We paid respects to 4 unknown soldiers of the Irish Brigade who's remains were found on the battlefield in 1988.  Earlier this year at the Pry House I was able to see artifacts recovered from their battlefield graves that were used to at least identify their regiments.  It is believed that the soldier in grave number 4 is possibly Private James Gallagher, Company C, 63rd New York Infantry.
Memorial to 4 Irish Brigade soldiers, known but to God.



These are all from the graves of the 4 unidentified members of the Irish Brigade
They were used to help identify the regiment in which they served.
We heard the story of Sergeant George Simpson, he was the color bearer for the 125th Pennsylvania when he was killed near the Dunkard Church.  He is the soldier represented on the unit monument to the 125th Pa.

Grave of Sgt. George A. Simpson 125th Pa

125th Pa Monument,
Sgt George A. Simpson represented on top monument
We learned about Captain Werner Von Bachelle.  He was the commander of Company F, 6th Wisconsin.  He was killed near the cornfield along the Hagerstown Pike.  He had a Newfoundland that he had taught to do military salutes and such.  After the battle, the lifeless dog was found laying across Von Bachelle's body.  They were buried together on the battlefield, and it is believed they are still buried together in the National Cemetery.

Grave of Capt. Werner Von Bachelle,
Company F, 6th Wisconsin
The Iron Brigade

 An exception made regarding the closure of the cemetery for new burials for a Keedysville (about 3 miles from Antietam) sailor Fireman Patrick Howard Roy who was killed in the attack on the USS Cole.  
Grave of Fireman Patrick Howard Roy.

We also saw the grave of General Jacob Duryee (of Duryee's Zouaves fame).  We were told how the Lodge Building was the original visitor center for the battlefield.  And we were told about the VIPs who had given Memorial Day addresses at the cemetery.  Rev. Schildt told us about the one year when aircraft from a local Air National Guard base had dropped flowers on the cemetery during a flyover.  That was something I wish I could have seen.  We were told that it is believed that in the days leading towards the battle, it is believed that General Lee used the land in the cemetery to have an overview of the area to help him decide how and where to place his troops.

We ended our tour of the cemetery looking out the back towards the Hawkin's Zouaves Monument.  

Hawkin's Zouaves Monument in background looking out from
National Cemetery.

I called it a day around 19:30 and started driving home to Pittsburgh.  It was a long day, that I wouldn't trade for anything.

As always feel free to comment.









Friday, September 09, 2011



The 1st Corps, 3rd Division, 1st Brigade
 Also known as Biddle’s Brigade

During the battle of Gettysburg, it served as a member of Doubleday's Division of the First Corps,  Army of the Potomac.

1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 1st Corps Plaque
Location of Brigade Plaque:  Reynolds Avenue, McPherson Ridge.

Main Inscription on Brigade Plaque

ARMY OF THE POTOMAC
FIRST CORPS THIRD DIVISION
FIRST BRIGADE
Col. Chapman Biddle
Brig. Gen. Thomas A. Rowley
80th New York 121st 142D 151st Penna. Infantry
July 1. Arrived and went into position about 11. 30 A. M. left of Reynolds’s Woods. The 151st Penna.   having been sent to reinforce Second Brigade on right of Reynolds’s Woods. The remaining regiments with Battery B 1st Penna. formed line facing west and held this position until near 4 P. M. when being pressed with superior numbers in front and outflanked on the left the Brigade retired to Seminary Ridge. On the withdrawal of the Corps the Brigade retired to Cemetery Hill and formed on the left along Taneytown Road and remained there until noon the next day.

July 2. Between 5 and 6 P. M. the Brigade was moved to the left centre from which First Division Second    Corps had been taken to support Third Corps.

July 3. Remained in the same position and assisted in repelling Longstreet’s assault in the afternoon taking many prisoners. At 6 P. M. withdrew to former position on Taneytown Road.

Casualties Killed 8 Officers 103 Men Wounded 41 Officers 516 Men Captured or Missing 8 Officers 222 Men Total 898



20th New York State Militia (Ulster Guard)
Also known as 80th New York Infantry


20th  NY State Militia Monument (Ulster Guard)
Located Reynolds Avenue.  It represents the position held by 80th New York Infantry, (also known as the 20th New York State Militia), from the late morning into the afternoon until forced to retire by the Confederate advance. on July 1, 1863.


Dedication Date: October 4, 1888.
Surviving members of the 20th NYSM at monument dedication.

Commander:   Col. Theodore B. Gates 


Number Engaged:   375


Casualties:  35 Killed, 111 Wounded, 24 Missing


Raised: Ulster County

Battles and Major Events:   Tendered services to the government, February 1861; 2nd Bull run; Antietam; Fredericksburg; Wilderness; Spotsylvania; Cold Harbor; Petersburg; Mustered out January 29, 1866

Secondary Monuments and Markers
The unit has an secondary monument located on Hancock Avenue.  It marks the location the regiment held on July 2nd and 3rd 1863.  They were on Cemetery Ridge defending the position during Pickett's Charge.  It was dedicated on July 3, 1981

Secondary Monument of the 20th NY State Militia


121st Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment

121st Pennsylvania Monument
 Located on Reynolds Avenue.  It represents the position the regiment  on July 1, 1863, until they were outflanked and forced to fall back to Seminary Ridge.

Dedication Date: July 4, 1888. (Just after the 25th Anniversary of the battle)


Commander:  Maj. Alexander Biddle

Number Engaged:  306


Casualties:  12 killed, 106 wounded, 61 missing


Raised: Philadelphia and Venango County


Battles and Significant Events:  Organized at Philadelphia August 22 1862; Fredericksburg; The Wilderness; Spotsylvania; Petersburg; 5 Forks; Appomattox; Grand Review; Mustered out June 2, 1865


Secondary Monuments and Markers:
There is a secondary monument located on Hancock Avenue, this monument was originally located on Reynolds Avenue when dedicated in 1886, but was replaced in 1888 by the primary monument that is in place now.  This secondary monument marks the positions held by the regiment on July 2 and 3 1863.

Secondary Monument of 121st Pa on Hancock Avenue


142nd Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment

142nd Pennsylvania Monument on Reynolds Avenue
Located on Reynolds Avenue.  Represents position occupied on July1 1863, unit engaged the 11th 26th, 47th and 52nd North Carolina at this location.  In the afternoon of July 1st they were outflanked and retired  under arms to a position near the Lutheran Seminary.


Dedication Date: Sept. 11, 1889.


142nd Pennsylvania Infantry Recruiting Poster.

Commander:
 Col. Robert P. Cummins died on July 2 of wounds received on July 1.
 Lt. Col. Alfred B. McCalmont subsequently took command of the regiment

Number Engaged: 
 362

Casualties: 
 13 killed, 128 wounded, 70 missing

Raised: Fayette, Luzerne, Mercer, Monroe, Somerset, Union, Venagngo, and Westmoreland counties, Pennsylvania.

Major Events and Battles:   Organized at Harrisburg September 1, 1862; Fredericksburg; Chancellorsville; The Wilderness; Spotsylvania; Cold Harbor; Petersburg; 5 Forks; Appomattox; Grand Review; Mustered out May 29, 1865



151st Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment

151st Pennsylvania Monument on Reynolds Avenue
Located on Reynolds Avenue.  It represents the position held by on the afternoon of July 1, 1863, when heavily engaged with the 26th North Carolina until the regiment was outflanked and forced to retire to the Lutheran Seminary.  The 151st Pa is also known as "The School Teacher's Regiment" as Company D was made up mainly of teachers and students from a single school in Juniata County; additionally there were 13 teachers in the regiment.


Dedication Date: July 1, 1888. (25th Anniversary of the battle)
Surviving members of the 151st Pennsylvania at dedication of their monument.

Commander:  
 Lt. Col. George F. McFarland. Wounded on July 1 which led to the loss of his right leg.  Captain Walter L. Owens subsequently took command of the regiment.

Number Engaged:  
467

Casualties:  
51 killed, 211 wounded, 75 missing 
*Second highest casualty total of all Union Regiments at Gettysburg

Raised:  Berks, Juniata, Pike, Susquehanna, and Warren counties, Pennsylvania. 
Major Battles and Events:  Organized at Harrisburg October 18, 1862;  Mustered into service November 24, 1862; Battle of Chancellorsville; Battle of Gettysburg; Mustered out of Army July 27, 1863.


Colors of the 151st Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment
As always, I hope you enjoyed this post.  Feel free to leave comments.