142nd Pennsylvania
Posted to the Project on 05 Oct 07
One of the more simple — yet stark — monuments on the battlefield belongs to the 142nd Pennsylvania Infantry. From the counties of Fayette, Luzerne, Mercer, Monroe, Somerset, Union, Venagngo, and Westmoreland, the regiment was raised in the summer of 1862. The commander at Gettysburg was Col. Robert P. Cummins (1827-1863), a native of Somerset who was mortally wounded on July 1 (dying the next day). Cummins was succeeded to command by Lt. Col. Alfred B. McCalmont (1825-1875), a Franklin lawyer and graduate of Dickinson College.
The regiment erected a simple granite cross on McPherson Ridge near Reynolds Woods to mark their sacrifice at Gettysburg.
142nd Pennsylvania Infantry
1st Corps, 3rd Division 1st Brigade
Commanded by Col. Robert P. Cummins (1827-1863)
Engaged: 362; 13 killed, 128 wounded, 70 missing
Monument: Reynolds Avenue