56th Pennsylvania Infantry
The monument to the 56th Pennsylvania is located along North Reynolds Avenue. It cost $1,500.00 and was dedicated on September 11, 1889. The bronze sculpture — featuring a stack of rifle muskets and a furled battleflag — is meant to symbolize the completion of a soldier’s work.
The monument is located “where the regiment delivered the opening fire of the infantry” in the battle.
The 56th had nine companies at Gettysburg; Company E was not present.
The regiment was organized at Harrisburg in March 1862 and came from the counties of Centre, Indiana, Luzerene, Susquehanna, and the city of Philadelphia. It was commanded by Col. John W. Hofmann (1824-1902), a merchant from Philadelphia.
56th Pennsylvania Infantry
1st Corps, 1st Division, 2nd Brigade
Engaged: 252; 14 killed, 61 wounded, 55 missing
Monument: North Reynolds Avenue
Tags: Gettysburg, I Corps, McPherson Ridge, Monument Project, Pennsylvania