39th New York Infantry
Posted to the Project on 23 Aug 07
The 39th New York was made up of four companies (A-D). This regiment had the colorful nickname the “Garibaldi Guards.” Raised in New York City, the name came from an Italian revolutionary named Guiseppe Garibaldi. The original regimental plan involved recruiting 3 companies of Hungarians, 3 of Germans, and one each of Italians, Swiss, French, and Spanish / Porugueese. Although this mix was never fully obtained, the 39th New York was quite represenative of the polygot of nationalities that could be found spread throughout the Army of the Potomac.
The commander at Gettysburg was Maj. Hugo Hillebrandt (1832-1896), a Hungarian who had actually fought with Garibaldi in Italy.
The monument is tall, but rather plain. Consisting of Gettysburg and Quincy granite, it stands 20 feet tall and was dedicated on July 1, 1888 at a cost of just $1,500.00.
39th New York - Garibaldi Guard
Members of the 2nd Corps, 3rd Division, 3rd Brigade
Commanded by: Maj. Hugo Hillebrandt (1832-1896)
Engaged: 322; 15 killed, 80 wounded
Monument: Hancock Avenue, north of the Angle near the equestrian statue of General Meade. Marker in field near United States Avenue.
September 3rd, 2007 at 11:18 am
my GreatGrandfather 2nd Lt Joseph G. Seck enlisted in the 39th NY in Nov. 1863. Prior to ,that he served 2 years with the 4th NY infantry,at Antietam, Fredrickburg and Chancellorsville.He was honorably discharged July 1 1865 in command of Co E 39th Ny Infantry
November 21st, 2007 at 12:28 pm
Dear Mr. Seck,
I am capt.in the Garibaldi Guard Assoc.and I am intrigued to see a decendant of Lt. Seck posted on this web site. We have a decentant of sgt. flavel in our unit. Both of his great grand father fought in the 39th, Garibaldi Guard at Gettysburg. Our unit is attached to Vincents Brigade 2nd regiment based in Gettysburg Pa. Our primary mission is to call attention to the contributions made by the immigrant soldiers during the American civil war. We take part in reinactments and living historys. Contact me. Jack