17th United States Infantry

The 17th United States Infantry’s monument is located near Ayres Avenue at Day’s Hill behind the Wheatfield.

The 17th was nicknamed the Maine Regulars. It consisted of 7 companies; the 1st Battalion contained companies A, C, D, G, and H; the second Battalion contained companies A and B. It was enlisted from the counties of Aroostook, Cumberland, and Penobscot in Maine, as well as from Erie County (New York) and Wayne County (Michigan). It was organized in Maine in 1861 at Fort Preble.

The 17th was commanded by Lt. Col. James D. Greene (1828-1902). Greene, an 1849 graduate of Harvard, invented a breech loading rifle.

17th United States Infantry

5th Corps, 2nd Division, 2nd Brigade

Engaged: 334; 25 killed, 118 wounded, 7 missing

Monument: Ayres Avenue

Tags: Gettysburg, Monument Project, us regulars, V Corps, Wheatfield