June 17, 2013

Hancock Avenue, which runs past the Copse of Trees and the Angle, is crammed with monuments, and the above is one of my favorites. It represents the 106^TH Pennsylvania Infantry and their role in the battle. One thing (or three things) that sets it apart is the collection of beautifully-crafted granite “drums” at the very top of the monument, along with the plaque that skillfully shows the 106^TH’s particular part in the action. Though it looks fairly new, this monument has been standing for 123 years, having first been unveiled in 1889.

In the background of this photo, at far left, stands the boulder monument to the 20^TH Massachusetts Infantry. Part of the Copse of Trees is visible at right. The High Water Mark monument, consisting of a bronze “book” on a tiered base, three sets of cannonballs, and a pair of cannon, can be seen at right. To the left of the 106^TH Pennsylvania monument and “underneath” the boulder monument is a 24-pound Howitzer partially visible above the earth.

**HONORED TODAY**

SGT. MAJ. MONTFORD STOKES MCRAE

Co. C, 26^TH North Carolina Infantry

Born 1837 --- Died August 02, 1863 at age 26

Sgt. Maj. McRae’s pre-war residence was Montgomery County, North Carolina. After the battle he was sent to Camp Letterman, the general hospital established at Gettysburg for the purpose of moving wounded soldiers from civilian homes, where records say he died after receiving “a fracture of left femur” in battle. In those records his name was written as “M. Stokes McRay.” Family memory states that Sgt. Maj. McRae was known as “Stokes” for most of his life. Though he was apparently anticipating marriage with a young lady named Emeline Pigot, sadly the marriage never took place. Emeline is remembered as a Confederate spy.


(c) 2013 Skies of Blue and Gray