Alexander Hays

Today’s monument is one of the bronzes devoted to a general — Alexander Hays.

Commander of one of Hancock’s Divisions in the famous Second Corps of the Army of the Potomac, Hays (July 8, 1819-May 5, 1864), was born in Franklin, Pennsylvania. He graduated from West Point, class of 1844, and served in the Mexican War. Prior to the outbreak of the Civil War, he was a civil engineer in Pittsburgh.

Hays was wounded during the Seven Days. Promoted to general, he commanded the 3d Division of the 2nd Corps at Gettysburg. As such, his unit was one of those assailed by “Pickett’s Charge.” A soldier recalled of Hays at Gettysburg: “When the smoke cleared, Hays, who was unhurt but had had two horses shot out from under him, kissed his aide in the exhilaration of the moment, grabbed a captured Rebel battle flag and riding down the division’s line dragged it in the dirt.”

When the Army was consolidated, Hays was given a brigade. Commanding that brigade at the Wilderness, he was shot through the head near the junction of the Brock and Plank Roads and instantly killed.

Hays monument (erected around 1915) is located along North Hancock Avenue in Ziegler’s Grove, near the National Park Visitor’s Center. In September 2004, this monument was vandalized when thieves stole the sword.

Tags: Commemoratives, Gettysburg, II Corps, Monument Project, Pennsylvania, Ziegler Grove