Union Monuments - Illinois

12th Illinois Cavalry Regiment

The monument to the Twelfth Illinois Cavalry is west of Gettysburg on Reynolds Avenue between the Railroad Cut and Chambersburg Pike. The monument was dedicated in 1891 by the State of Illinois.

Location: 39.837082 N, 77.248556 W; see map

The regiment had parts of five companies at Gettysburg and was combined with the 3rd Indiana Cavalry under the command of Colonel George H. Chapman. The combined regiments totaled 588 men and lost 4 killed, 10 wounded and 6 missing.

From the front of the monument:

12th Illinois Cavalry
1st Brig. 1st Div.
Cav. Corps

First line of battle
July 1, 1863. Held until relieved
by 1st Corps
----
One Squadron picketing
ridge east of Marsh creek
met enemy's left advance

Killed
Ferdinand Ushuer
Thos. G. Blanset
John Ellis
Gabriel B. Durham
Homer C. Stedman

From the rear:

Regiment retired to
ridge on left rear,
with Brigade fought
dismounted, repulsing
attacks of the enemy.
Covered the withdrawal
of line to Cemetery Hill
and in the evening
took position on
left flank of the Army
----
July 2, 1863
Buford's Division
retired toward Westminster

See more on the 12th Illinois Cavalry in the Civil War >