September 23, 2013

On this last trip I really took notice of how many nice paths are scattered across the battlefield, and I came upon some of them quite by surprise. This photo op was discovered before we rounded the bend of the “Loop” just past the Wheatfield along Sickles Avenue. Not only was the view mysterious and appealing in its own right, but a hidden monument at the other end of the path made the shot even more intriguing. Of course, this monument isn’t actually hidden --- it’s right along the road --- but from this angle it appeared as if we were the only ones being given a glimpse of it.

This particular monument is an unusual one, dedicated to the 116TH Pennsylvania Infantry. It shows a dead soldier lying beside a rock wall; there are only a few monuments at Gettysburg that depict fallen soldiers. The “Stone Sentinels” site states that many believe the figure represents the 116^TH’s sergeant, Charles Gardner. The monument was unveiled to the public in the late 1880s. The “trefoil” carved in its side is the symbol of the 2^ND Union Army corps.

**HONORED TODAY**

PVT. JOHN TAYLOR

Co. E, 12^TH New Hampshire Infantry

Died August 14/15, 1863 at age 39

Pvt. Taylor may have avoided an immediate death, but, according to Camp Letterman records which state that he suffered from a “compound fracture of the thigh”, his wound would overtake him in the end. He was later buried at Gettysburg National Cemetery.


(c) 2013 Skies of Blue and Gray