5th Ohio Infantry

The 5th Ohio Infantry was nicknamed the Cincinnati Regiment. Raised from that city in the summer of 1861, the regiment was commanded at Gettysburg by Col. John H. Patrick (1820-1864), a native of Edinburgh, Scotland destined to fall mortally wounded at New Hope Church in May 1864 during the Atlanta Campaign.

The 5th Ohio monument is located in Pardee Field where the unit fought on the morning of July 3d from dawn until 11:00 AM.

Erected by the state of Ohio, this monument features the slogan “Boys Keep the Colors Up” on the front of the die. A flag is draped over a rifle. Another side denotes that this is indeed the Cincinnati Regiment.

But the main feature that drives Gettysburg monument “hunters” to visit this particular monument is the granite carving of an owl at the top of the monument. The owl is nestled at the very top of the monument below two soldier’s haversacks.

Although I did some research, I could not find out why the 5th Ohio chose to depict this carved bird on their monument. If anyone knows, please comment and let me know.

5th Ohio Infantry

12th Corps, 2nd Division, 1st Brigade

Col. John H. Patrick (1820-1864)

Engaged 315, 2 killed, 16 wounded

Monument: Geary Avenue, Pardee Field

Post Script - In doing some research, I discovered the 5th Ohio’s regimental badge featured the owl.  In fact, they actually placed a bronze owl plaque on a large boulder behind their position.

Tags: Gettysburg, Monument Project, ohio, XII Corps