96th Pennsylvania Infantry
Posted to the Project on 17 Jan 08
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