96th Pennsylvania Infantry

The monument to the 96th Pennsylvania Infantry is located on the Wheatfield Road in the Valley of Death. It was dedicated on June 21, 1888 and cost $1,500.00 (the standard Pennsylvania state appropriation). It was sculpted by Zeller. It depicts an infantryman lying behind a stonewall. The infantryman’s thumb is placed on the hammer of the gun, prepared to open fire on the enemy. The monument marks the regiment’s position on July 2 until the end of the battle.

The 96th was recruited from Schuykill County in September 1861. It’s commander at Gettysburg was Maj. William H. Lessig (1831-1910), an engineer from Pottsville.

96th Pennsylvania Infantry

6th Corps, 1st Division, 2nd Brigade

Maj. William H. Lessig (1831-1910)

Engaged: 356; 1 wounded

Monument: Wheatfield Road

Tags: Gettysburg, Monument Project, Pennsylvania, Valley of Death, VI Corps