Focus: 90th Pennsylvania “The Tree”

Among the more unique monuments on the battlefield is the 90th Pennsylvania’s monument located along Doubleday Avenue and the Mummasburg Road near the “Robinson Tower” on Oak Ridge.

Carved to look like a tree stump, the monument represents a “stalwart oak tree.” It was dedicated on September 3, 1888. It features various soldier’s accoutrements including a knapsack, a musket, etc.

The most notable feature of the monument is the bird’s nest with baby birds nestled inside while the mother bird keeps close watch over her brood. It is alleged that during the battle a soldier saw a robin’s nest tumble to the ground and he climbed up to replace it with the babies still alive inside. The “tree” stands fourteen feet high. Interestingly, the flank markers that mark the right and left flank of the regiment are also minature tree stumps.

This is a detail shot of the mother bird and her nest of babies on the 90th Pennsylvania monument. The 90th Pennsylvania, recruited from the Philadelphia area, took 208 men into battle under the command of Colonel Peter Lyle at Gettysburg. 8 men were killed, 45 were wounded, and 40 were missing. T

he regiment also has a marker near Christ Luthern Church where its chaplin, Rev. Horatio Stockwell Howell was killed and another along Hancock Avenue marking its position later in the battle.

Major Alfred Sellers of the 90th Pennsylvania won the Medal of Honor at Gettysburg.

Members of the 1st Corps, 2nd Division, 2nd Brigade

Commanded by Col. Peter Lyle (1821-1879)

Engaged 208; 8 killed, 45 wounded, 40 missing

Monument: Doubleday Avenue and Hancock Avenue near the Cyclorama (Ziegler’s Grove)

Tags: Gettysburg, I Corps, Monument Project, oak ridge, Pennsylvania