8th Illinois Cavalry
This was only one of three units from the state of Illinois at Gettysburg. Commanded by Maj. John L. Beveridge (1824-1910), a lawyer from Evanston and future Congressman and Governor, the 8th Illinois Cavalry was raised from the counties of Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Kane, McHenry, Whiteside, and Winnebago in the fall of 1861. This monument marks the unit’s position that it occupied until relieved by the First Corps. A secondary marker to the alleged first shot fired in the battle is at the intersection of US 30 and Knoxlyn Road.
The main monument was dedicated on September 3, 1891 at a cost of $1500.00. The monument consists of Blue Westerly Granite from Rhode Island. The monument’s salient feature is a carved cavalryman’s saddle at the capstone; it is a detailed replica of the essential items carried by a Union calvaryman.
8th Illinois Cavalry
Cavalary Corps, 1st Division, 1st Brigade
Maj. John L. Beveridge (1824-1910)
Engaged: 491; 1 killed, 5 wounded, 1 missing
Monument: Reynolds Avenue
Tags: Cavalry Corps, Gettysburg, illinois, McPherson Ridge, Monument Project
Thanks for the pictures Jenny.
I have been to Gettysburg many times, but, it seems there was never enough time to stop at all the monuments. Do you have pictures of the Federal Cemetery there? I always try to go there when I am at Gettysburg.
Take care, hope you are feeling better.
Deej
Where is the above monument located?
Thank you
McP
On the 1st Day battlefield along Reynolds Avenue, which runs along the spine of the east side of McPherson’s Ridge. It is located right before Reynolds Avenue intersects with US 30 (Chambersburg Pike). (The black car in the distance is traveling down US 30.)