148th Pennsylvania Infantry
Posted to the Project on 12 Nov 07
Raised from the counties of Centre, Clarion, and Jefferson, the 148th Pennsylvania monument is located along Ayres Avenue in the Wheatfield. The largest regiment in Cross’ brigade, it’s commander was Col. Henry Boyd McKeen (1835-1864), a lumber merchant from Camden, New Jersey. He was killed at Cold Harbor. McKeen was from the 81st Pennsylvania, but Cross gave him command of the 148th Pennsylvania on June 30 (for this the men decided that Cross — a strict discplinarian anyway — was a total tyrant). When McKeen took command of the brigade, Lt. Col. Robert McFarlane (1826-1891), a farmer from Boalsburg, took command of the regiment.
The monument in the Wheatfield marks the regiment’s position when it engaged the enemy on the afternoon of the 2d. One of the larger monuments in the area, it features ornate columns and a large granite sculpture above the capstone. The Second Corps badge is also featured prominently.
148th Pennsylvania Infantry
2d Corps, 1st Division, 1st Brigade
Col. Henry Boyd McKeen (1835-1864)
Engaged: 468; 19 killed, 101 wounded, 5 missing
Monument: The Wheatfield