24th MI: The Iron Brigade

Cheers

Beautiful page, love the frames around the pics!

May 09, 2007

24th MI: The Iron Brigade

This layout is of the monument for the 24th Michigan Infantry at Gettysburg, PA. The 24th Michigan was part of the famed "Iron Brigade" who were known for wearing the black "Hardee" hat instead of the regular issue kepi. At Gettysburg on July 1, 1863 the 24th MI suffered the highest percentage of loss of any unit engaged at Gettysburg. Of the 496 men who started the battle, only 99 reported for duty the next day. That is an 80% casualty rate. They fought bravely and with honor. The words on this page are from the dedication ceremony in June 1889. It is a fitting tribute the state of Michigan has given to the men of the 24th who gave their lives for the cause of freedom.

Monument Inscription:
Twenty-fourth Michigan Infantry, First Brigade, First division, First corps, July 1, 1863. Arriving upon the field of the south of these woods in the forenoon of July 1, the regiment, with others of the brigade, charges across the stream in front (Willoughby’s Run) to the crest beyond, assisting in the capture of a large portion of Archer’s Tennessee Brigade. It was then withdrawn to this position where it fought until the line was outflanked and forced back. It went into action with twenty-eight officers, 468 men – total 496. It lost, killed and mortally wounded, eight officers, eighty-one men – total 89; otherwise wounded, thirteen officers, 205 men – total 218; captured three officers, 53 men – total 56; total casualties, 363. Five color bearers were killed and all the color guard killed or wounded. Position July 2 and 3 on Culps Hill. The regiment was raised in Wayne County, Michigan, and mustered into U. S. Service August 15, 1862. Mustered out at Detroit, June 30, 1865.

I did use some elements in this layout that I downloaded, but at this time don't have the names to give credit to the creators. I will try to look them up later and add them here.