August 09, 2013

Though every regiment that fought at Gettysburg deserves its own glory, there are some that stand apart in memory, that evoke a certain pride and fascination. The five regiments of the Iron Brigade share that special status. The top view was taken from Stone-Meredith Avenue along McPherson’s Ridge and shows the edge of McPherson’s (Herbst) Woods where the Iron Brigade and Gen. Heth’s Confederates went head-to-head for several hours on July 1^ST, 1863. The monument at the left of the tree-line is the 7^TH Wisconsin Infantry. The field is part of Herr’s Ridge, and off in the distance, probably not visible from this point, is Herr’s Tavern which was a Confederate dressing station for moderately-wounded.

Though this woodlot was thinned out more during the Battle, its appearance is much the same, save for a monument here and there. Willoughby Run still runs its fateful course just as it did when Tennesseans and North Carolinians crossed it to meet their foes. The 7^TH Wisconsin’s monument, above, dates from the late 1880s and is made of granite. Notice the five-pointed topper that names all the regiments of the Iron Brigade. Stone-Meredith Avenue is visible just behind it.

**HONORED TODAY**

ADAM, ENOS, and SAMUEL CRAMER

Co. B, 142^ND Pennsylvania Infantry

Adam and Enos died 01 Jul; Samuel died 09 Jul

While the Cramer family must have worried they might lose a son at Gettysburg, they certainly never imagined they would lose three. All three brothers fought in the same regiment and lost their lives after being mortally wounded during the first days’ fight . . . though Adam and Enos were instantly killed, Samuel lived a week after having an arm and leg amputated at the Lutheran Seminary-turned-hospital. All three are likely buried in Gettysburg’s National Cemetery; two are listed as unknowns. 


(c) 2013 Skies of Blue and Gray