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Union Monuments - New York Infantry140th New York Infantry RegimentThe monument to the 140th New York Infantry Regiment is south of Gettysburg on Little Round Top. (see map) It was dedicated by the State of New York in 1889. The 140th New York was commanded at the Battle of Gettysburg by Colonel Patrick Henry O'Rorke, who was killed on Little Round Top and whose face fronts the monument, polished for luck by generations of visitors. (The National Park Service asks that you refrain from rubbing if you visit - it wears away the bronze.) Lieutenant Colonel Louis Ernst took command of the regiment when O'Rorke fell. From the front of the monument: Fraternity Col. Pat'k H. O'Rorke From the left (north) side: Valor 140th From the right (south) side: Duty Number engaged From the rear: Patriotism July 2nd and 3rd The 140th was marching across the north slope of Little Round Top to the support of Sickle's 3rd Corps on July 2nd. It was intercepted by General Gouvenour Warren, who was desperately improvising a defense of the vital hill. By luck, Warren had commanded the brigade in the past and was well known to Col. O'Rorke. When Warren said, "Paddy, give me a regiment!" O'Rorke was quick to oblige with his own. After cresting Little Round Top he dismounted and led the regiment in column of fours toward the Confederates threatening to break the Union line, drawing his sword and shouting, "Down this way, boys!" As the men began to form a line and O'Rorke shouted, "Here they are men, commence firing!" a Confederate about forty feet away shot O'Rorke in the neck. The Confederate did not long survive the Colonel; after the battle seventeen holes were counted in his body. The addition of 500 men to the Union line was decisive and the Confederate assault fell back. Although the flank held by the 20th Maine was still in danger, the center of the Union line on Little Round Top was secured. See more on the 140th New York Infantry Regiment during the Civil War |
