61st Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment

The monument to the 61st Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment is southeast of Gettysburg on Neil Avenue, often called "Lost Lane" because of its inaccessability. The monument was dedicated in 1888 by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Location: 39.808015 N, 77.209404 W; see map

The 61st Pennsylvania was commanded at the Battle of Gettysburg by Lieutenant Colonel George F. Smith. It brought 400 men to the field, losing 1 wounded and 1 missing.

The regiment was part of Neil's Brigade of the Sixth Corps. Neil was ordered to protect the army's major supply line on Baltimore Pike from Confederate scouts who were drifting down from the fighting around Culp's Hill. Neill formed his brigade and advanced to the present location of Neil Avenue, driving back the Confederates while taking a handful of casualties.

The 61st Pennsylvania was the right flank of the brigade, and of the infantry of the Army of the Potomac, as is indicated on the monument and by a nearby marker.

From the front of the monument:

After a march of 37 miles
reached the field about 4 p.m. July 2nd.
Moved to support of 12th Corps.
Occupied this position from morning
of July 3rd until close of battle.

61st. Penna. Infantry
3rd Brig. 2nd. Div. 6th Corps.

From the left side:

Extreme right of infantry of the army.

From the right side:

Mustered in August 1861
Re-enlisted Dec. 1863. to Feb. 1864
Mustered out June 28, 1865
Total enrollment - 1987
Total killed and mortally wounded
18 officers 214 enlisted men
Wounded 28 officers 470 enlisted men
Died of disease 103 enlisted men
Total 46 officers 787 enlisted men

See more about the 61st Pennsylvania Infantry during the Civil War