Union Monuments - Massachusetts

13th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment

The monument to the 13th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment is northwest of Gettysburg on Robinson Avenue. It was dedicated in 1885 by the State of Massachusetts.

Location: 39.84259,-77.24129; see map

The monument features regimental color bearer Sergeant Roland G. Morris, who fell at this spot on July 1st. It was dedicated on September 25, 1885.

The 13th Massachusetts was commanded at the Battle of Gettysburg by Colonel Samuel Haven Leonard. He was wounded on July 1, and Lieutenant Colonel Nathaniel W. Batchelder took command. The regiment brought 284 men to the field, losing 7 killed, 77 wounded and 101 missing.

The 13th Massachusetts suffered heavily on the northern edge of Seminary Ridge near Mummasburg Road. After an hour of heavy fighting a successful bayonet charge captured over 130 Confederates, but took the regiment dangerously far from their lines and cost them dearly as they fought their way back.Then the collapse of the Union defensive line forced the 13th into a dangerous retreat south along the eastern edge of Seminary Ridge and back through the streets of the town. Only 99 men reformed on Cemetery Hill that evening.

From the front of the monument:

13th
Mass. Vols.

From the rear:

13th Mass. Vol's
1st Brig - 2nd Div - 1st Corps
July 1st 1863

See more about the 13th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment in the Civil War