Union Monuments, Massachusetts

28th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment

The monument to the 28th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment is south of Gettysburg on Sickles Avenue.
(see map)

The monument was erected by survivors and friends of the regiment in 1885. Topped by an American Eagle, the face of each side is topped by a different symbol: the Shield of the United States, the trefoil of the Second Corps, the Coat of Arms of the State of Massachusetts, and the harp of Ireland.

The 28th Massachusetts was commanded at the Battle of
Gettysburg by Colonel Richard Byrns. It brought 265 men to the field, losing 8 killed, 57 wounded and 35 missing. It was part of 2nd Corps - 1st Division - 2nd Brigade, the "Irish Brigade."

From the front of the monument:

FAUGH A BALLAUGH*

28th Mass. Inf'y
Vol.
Col. Richard Byrns, com.
Meaghers Irish Brig.,
Col. Patrick Kelly com.
This regiment went into battle
July 2, 1863.
Numbering 220
officers and men
101 of whom
were killed or wounded

Erected by the survivors
and friends of the Regt.
to mark the spot where it
fought in defense of the
American Union.

(*Gaelic: Clear the way)

Form around the base of the monument:

28th Mass.
2nd Brig. 1st Div.
2nd Corp

The 28th and the Irish Brigade were part of Caldwell's Division sent to support Sickle's Third Corps on July 2nd. In one of the memorable events of the battle, the men of the Irish Brigade knelt while the Brigade Chaplain, Father William Corby, stood on a rock and pronounced general absolution to the men.

They then launched themselves into the Wheatfield, charging across and into the Rose Woods and the Stony Hill. The Confederate advance was temporarily halted just as it threatened to overwhelm the entire Union position. But the brigade was flanked by Confederate Reinforcements advancing from the Peach Orchard and forced to withdraw across the bloody Wheatfield. Colonel Byrnes carried the regimental colors across the open ground, ordering frequent volleys back into the pursuing Confederates.