July 26, 2013

I first discovered the Coster Avenue mural on a rainy afternoon in October 2002. After a conundrum over where might be the best place to park, I took a brief yet fascinating walk around the grounds. The mural brings to life the struggle between boys in blue and gray at what was then Kuhns’ Brickyard. Unfortunately these photos were taken too far away to show a lot of detail. For instance, among the boys in blue, Sgt. Amos Humiston’s face can be seen. Most Gettysburg enthusiasts know the story of Amos Humiston and the iconic photograph of his three children that was found on his body. A closer inspection of the mural reveals his face very clearly.

There are two monuments near the Coster Avenue mural. One is shown here in the second photo and represents the 154^TH New York Infantry, the unit to which Sgt. Humiston belonged. The other, further to the right, is the 27^TH Pennsylvania Infantry. When I visited I was lucky enough to see a group of people dressed in Civil War garb, but I don’t think that’s the norm for this particular part of town . . . though it was nice to see that others cared about the mural and its historical significance as much as I did. Do keep in mind that parking can be a hassle and finding the mural might take a bit of patience, but it’s an interesting part of Gettysburg history that shouldn’t be missed. The mural is located at Coster Avenue near Stratton Street.

**HONORED TODAY**

JOHN MCKENZIE

Co. E, 1^ST Minnesota Infantry

Died August 07, 1863 at age 24

The 1^ST Minnesota Infantry’s charge at Gettysburg is the stuff of legend, but unfortunately was all too real. Only a few moments were needed to secure reinforcements, and many of these men paid with their lives, facing superior numbers while being fully knowledgeable that their deaths were required to save the Union line. One of these men was 24-year-old John McKenzie. He was fortunate enough to survive the initial charge on July 02^ND and the combat of July 03^RD, but he later died at Camp Letterman due to a “shot fracture and amputation of left thigh.” He is buried at Gettysburg National Cemetery.


(c) 2013 Skies of Blue and Gray