120th New York Infantry

The 120th New York was the junior member of the old Excelsior Brigade. Their monument is a tall stone column shaped a bit like a castle turret. The capstone is a Third Corps diamond; the monument also features bronze plaques and a bronze state seal. It is located along Sickles Avenue and marks the regiment’s position on July 2. The 120th New York column is the tallest monument in the immediate area.

Known as the “Washington Guards,” the regiment came from Ulster and Greene counties in the summer of 1862. Their commander was Lt. Col. Cornelius D. Westbrook (1823-1905), a civil engineer from Kingston. When Westbrook fell wounded on July 2, Maj. John R. Tappen, a merchant from Kingston, took command of the unit.

120th New York Infantry

3d Corps, 2nd Division, 2nd Brigade

Lt. Col. Cornelius D. Westbrook (1823-1905)

Engaged: 427; 32 killed, 154 wounded, 17 missing

Monument: Sickles Avenue

Tags: Gettysburg, III Corps, Monument Project, New York