Union Monuments - New York Infantry

54th New York Infantry Regiment

The monument to the 54th New York Infantry Regiment is southeast of Gettysburg on Wainwright Avenue. (see map) It was dedicated in 1889 by the State of New York The monument depicts Heinrich Michel, who was killed carrying the colors on July 2.

A position marker (bottom right) is in the trees along Rock Creek at the foot of Barlow's Knoll along Howard Avenue, showing the location of a detachment of the regiment during the fighting on July 1.

The 54th New York was commanded at the Battle of Gettysburg by Major Stephen Kovacs. He was captured on July 1, and Lieutenant Ernst Both then took command. The 54th brought 216 men to the field and lost 7 killed, 47 wounded and 48 missing.

From the monument:

54th Regt. N. Y. Infantry
(Hiram Burney Rifles)
1st Brig. 1st Div.
11th Corps

From the tablet on the rear:

54th Regt. N. Y. Infantry
July 1st
Skirmishing on extreme right
near Rock Creek.
July 2nd
At sunset,
Severe fighting in this position.
Casualties
Killed 7, wounded 47, missing 48,
Total loss 102.

Cross Keys, Cedar Mountain,
Rappahannock Station,
Waterloo Bridge, Freeman's Ford,
Sulphur Springs, Groveton, Manassas,
Chantilly, Chancellorsville,
Gettysburg. 1862-3.

Front of Charleston S.C. 1864-5.
Organized 1861.
Reenlisted 1864, mustered out 1866.

From the position marker:

54th
N.Y. Infantry
A detail of 45 men
from this regiment
occupied this position
July 1st 1863

See more about the 54th New York Infantry Regiment during the Civil War