123rd New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment

Today we go atop Culp's Hill, location of significant battles during the evening and early morning hours of July 2 and 3rd. 

The end of the first day of battle saw General Lee's Confederate forces in control, chasing a retreating Northern army. Says William A. Frassanito in his book Gettysburg: A Journey in Time:

"Approximately twenty-five hundred Northern soldiers were captured during the chaotic Union retreat through the streets of Gettysburg on the afternoon of July 1" (98). Luckily, those not captured had some place to run--to Culp's Hill, southeast of Gettysburg, a "defensive position" selected and occupied earlier "under orders from General O. O. Howard" (98). 

Well fortified, though undermanned, the Union troops were well positioned for the Confederate assault to begin around 7:30 pm on July 2. One of the regiment's protecting that hill (ultimately the North held it) was the 123rd New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment. 

Driving along a winding, scenic road, heading to the hill's crest and its observation tower, I passed this striking monument. I learned from the Web site Stone Sentinels that the woman represents the history muse Clio, writing of the heroic deeds of the 123rd. But there's much more to be learned from this site about the regiment and its battles.

http://www.gettysburg.stonesentinels.com/NY/123NY.php

While atop the observation tower, I took a photo (zoom shot) looking northwest over Gettysburg and beyond. At the time I didn't notice, but captured in this image is the Eternal Light Peace Memorial (which I posted about on January 29). See if you can locate it!

Until next time . . . Get with Gettysburg!