7th New Jersey Infantry
Posted to the Project on 20 Aug 07
The rather unusual monument to the 7th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry stands on the spot where the regiment’s Colonel, Louis R. Francine (1837-1863) fell mortally wounded on July 2, 1863. He survived until July 16. The monument stands in a field just to the north of the Peach Orchard known as Excelsior Field. As you can see, the Pennsylvania monument is visible in the distance.
The monument consists of two pieces of Quincy granite (a common granite type used for Gettysburg monuments), with the black granite top piece carved into the shape of a giant minie ball that weighs over 10 tons.
The minie bullet or ball was a rifled projectile designed for fast loading and accuracy. Made of lead, minie balls were soft and tended to expand when they struck bone: a fact that influenced the number of amputations during the Civil War.
7th New Jersey Infantry
Members of the 3rd Corps, 2nd Division, 3rd Brigade
Commanded by: Col. Louis R. Francine (1837-1863)
Engaged: 331; 15 killed, 86 wounded, 13 missing
Monument: Sickles Avenue in Excelsior Field, just north of the Peach Orchard
August 27th, 2007 at 12:20 am
Hi Jenny,
I have been researching one of my ancestors who was at Gettysburg. He was a drummer for the 7th New Jersey Infantry. His name was Hugh P. Roden. Is there any way for me to confirm that he was actually at Gettysburg? I have been to Gettysburg once, took the standard tour, and must say that I don’t remember seeing that monument to the NJ 7th. It is very distinctive.
I used to also be an avid runner, with distances up to a marathon. Of late I haven’t found the time or desire to pursue it as before (a symptom of getting older I think), but I wish you success with it as you fight your fight. Good luck and may the effort be successfull!
Sincerely,
Ken Castle
P.S. I have two sub 2:30 marathons to my credit!
August 27th, 2007 at 8:54 am
Hi Ken,
Congrats on the two sub-2:30 marathons! You’re fast!
Re: Tracing your ancestor. On June 30, the Army of the Potomac got paid, so there are accurate lists generally available for men who were present in each regiment. You probably need to contact the state archives and ask for the June 30, 1863 muster list. If you’re ancestor is listed, it is very likely that he was present at Gettysburg.
The 7th New Jersey’s monument is not on the National Park Service’s tour route, which is probably why you didn’t see it. It is tucked away in a field between the Emmitsburg Road and the Peach Orchard. It was a distinguished regiment that fought well at Gettysburg. “Gettysburg Magazine” a few years ago actually had an article on the 7th New Jersey at Gettysburg.
Regards,
Jenny