July 24, 2013

I took this random shot while searching for the wooded area where the 114^TH Pennsylvania Infantry (Collis’ Zouaves) bivouacked on the night of July 02^ND before going into battle the next day. I’m not sure if this is the exact spot, but it’s interesting in and of itself, especially considering its location along Cemetery Ridge.

The patch of grass to the right belongs to the George Weikert farm (see my post of December 17, 2012). The road at right turns into Sedgwick Avenue, which ends up near the base of Little Round Top. The road at left is known as Hancock Avenue and is the primary tour route to the Pennsylvania State Memorial, the High Water Mark, and the Angle.

In the center of the photo, on top of a hill, is the pretty but often-overlooked New Jersey Brigade monument. The stone wall that runs at the base of the hill is intriguing and picturesque. I don’t know if it’s original, but given the Park Service’s dedication to returning the battlefield to its 1863 dimensions, it’s logical that a wall stood here at that time.

I’ve learned in the past few years that there’s a lot more to Gettysburg than the typical sites and main tour stops. Every place --- every wall, every hill, every monument --- has its own story, and each tale is definitely worth checking out.

**HONORED TODAY**

PVT. HENRY C. RISON

Co. B, 7^TH Tennessee Infantry

Born 1842 --- Died August 15, 1863, 1863 at age 21

Pvt. Rison likely incurred his wound at McPherson’s Woods, where Gen. Archer’s Tennesseans battled against the famed Iron Brigade. He lived for 45 days as a prisoner in Gettysburg and died at Camp Letterman. The records indicate he passed away “after fracture of left femur” and that he “died of pyaemia.” Pvt. Rison was later reburied at Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia.


(c) 2013 Skies of Blue and Gray