97th New York Infantry

The 97th New York Infantry was nicknamed the Conkling Rifles.  (New York regiments tend to have nicknames, if you haven’t already noticed.)  The regiment was recruited from the counties of Herkimer, Lewis, and Oneida and was mustered in at Boonville in February 1862.  It was 255 strong at Gettysburg.

The regiment was commanded by Col. Charles Wheelock (1812-1865).  He was wounded and captured on July 1; he died in Washington of disease on January 21, 1865.  When Wheelock fell wounded, Maj. Charles B. Northup (1828-1918), a banker, took command.

The 97th’s monument is similar to that of the 76th New York in form, with the regimental number contained in the capstone.  It is located on Oak Ridge, Doubleday Avenue, where the 97th fought Iverson’s brigade, capturing the colors of the 20th North Carolina.

97th New York Infantry

1st Corps, 2nd Division, 2nd Brigade

Engaged: 255; 12 killed, 36 wounded, 78 missing

Monument: Doubleday Avenue

Tags: Gettysburg, I Corps, Monument Project, New York, oak ridge