Sculpted by Gary Casteel
1863 Signed and Numbered Limited Edition Monument Replicas
This marker indicates the 148th Pennsylvania’s position on July 3, 1863, when the enemy “was triumphantly repulsed by troops to our right,” according to a regimental record. Its principal monument is in the Wheatfield, where the regiment fought on July 2.
The commander of the 148th Pennsylvania, Colonel James Beaver, was on sick leave during the Battle of Gettysburg. On June 30, brigade commander Colonel Edward Cross took the unusual step of temporarily transferring the commander of the 81st Pennsylvania Infantry, Colonel Henry B. McKeen, to command the 148th. Knowing a big battle was coming he felt the regiment needed a firmer hand than its inexperienced Lieutenant Colonel Robert McFarlane, especially since the 148th represented half the strength of his brigade. McFarlane would still take over the regiment on July 2 when Colonel Cross was mortally wounded and Colonel McKeen took command of the brigade as senior surviving colonel.
The monument is located on Hancock Avenue and was dedicated in 1901.
148th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry (Position Marker)
Size: 5” x 3” x 6 ½”
Weight: 2.65lbs