January 25, 2013

95th New York on the left, 6th Wisconsin on the right

The famous western “Iron Brigade” was not fated to march off entirely together at Gettysburg; while the 2^nd and 7^th Wisconsin, the 19^th Indiana, and the 24^th Michigan battled first Archer’s Tennesseans and then later North Carolinians under Gen. James J. Pettigrew, the 6^th Wisconsin had a different mission to fulfill. These rugged men were posted alongside what is now known as the Railroad Cut on McPherson’s Ridge, attempting to drive away Joseph Davis’ Mississippians. It must have been a daunting moment when they realized that they alone of their brigade were given this task while the rest of their comrades entered mortal combat in McPherson’s Woods. But they were not about to stain their valorous reputation.

In 1996, when a Civil War soldier’s remains were found near this location, some speculated that the man might have belonged to the 6^th Wisconsin. Unfortunately this is never been determined, and just as many believe him to be a Mississippian. Today the 6^th Wisconsin’s monument, as well as that of the 95^th New York, can be found to the right of the Railroad Cut.

**HONORED TODAY**

PVT. THOMAS J. HEALEY

Co. G, 32^nd Massachusetts Infantry

Died July 02, 1863

Very little information seems to exist about Pvt. Healey though it is known he worked as a laborer before the war, setting up shop in Roxbury, Massachusetts. He is buried at Gettysburg National Cemetery.


(c) 2013 Skies of Blue and Gray