Focus: the 1st Minnesota

The monument to the First Minnesota is one of the largest regimental monuments on the battlefields.

Located just to the south of the Pennsylvania monument along Cemetery Ridge (Hancock Avenue), the 1st Minnesota is one of the most famous Union regiments to fight at Gettysburg because of the desperate and near suicidal charge launched by the unit on July 2, 1863. Commanded at Gettysburg by Colonel William Colvill (wounded in the July 2 attack), Captain Nathan Messick (killed on July 3 repulsing Pickett’s Charge), and Captain Henry Coates, the First numbered, officially, 420 at Gettysburg and suffered casualties of 50 killed, 173 wounded, and 1 missing. In the famous July 2 charge, the regiment is said to have lost 82% of its numbers, almost two companies having been detached at the time.

The First Minnesota also has an urn in the National Cemetery’s Minnesota plot. The 1st was the only Minnesota regiment present at Gettysburg. The marble urn erected in the National Cemetery dates to 1868.

Dedicated on July 2, 1897 and costing $16,000, the main unit monument on Hancock Avenue depicts a soldier charging across the field towards where the Minnesota earned eternal glory. General Hancock noted, “no more gallant deed was recorded in history.”

A second monument marks the position of the regiment on July 3 when it took an active role repulsing the Confederate assault in the afternoon. This monument is located north of the main monument.

Members of the 2nd Corps, 2nd Division, 2nd Brigade

Commanded at Gettysburg by Col. William Colvill (1830-1905)

Brought 420 to Gettysburg; 50 killed, 173 wounded, 1 missing

Monuments: Hancock Avenue just south of Pennsylvania Monument. There is a second monument also along Hancock Avenue closer to the Angle.