This memorial monument, dedicated on July 2, 1888, marks the line where the 57th Pennsylvania Infantry fought against the Confederate attacks on the Second day of the Battle of Gettysburg (July 2, 1863). The regiment, commanded by Colonel Peter Sides, was advanced with the rest of its III Corps brigade from Cemetery Hill to the famed Peach Orchard when General Daniel Sickles extended his battle line without orders. Here the regiment supported Union artillery batteries, and came under artillery fire from Confederate batteries on Seminary Ridge. It was then moved to Emmitsburg Road in front of the Orchard, then finally advanced across the road to the Sherfy Farmhouse to meet the Confederates under General William Barksdale charged through that area late in the afternoon. The 57th Pennsylvania held its position during the initial phase of the fighting, but lingered too long when the 114th Pennsylvania to its left gave way and retreated. The Mississippeans of Barksdale's brigade tore into the Pennsylvanians as it crushed the III Corps Peach Orchard salient, many of whom were captured while in position around the Sherfy Farmhouse buildings, including the regiment's Major. During the fighting Colonel Sides was severely wounded, and the regimental command devolved onto Captain Alanson H. Nelson, who led his units belated retreat back to Cemetery Ridge, where it stayed form the rest of the battle. The unit lost 16 killed or mortally wounded, including 2nd Lieutenant John F. Cox and 1st Lieutenant Henry Mitchell of Company E, 43 wounded and 57 missing in action (most being captured).
This memorial monument, dedicated on July 2, 1888, marks the line where the 57th Pennsylvania Infantry fought against the Confederate attacks on the Second day of the Battle of Gettysburg (July 2, 1863). The regiment, commanded by Colonel Peter Sides, was advanced with the rest of its III Corps brigade from Cemetery Hill to the famed Peach Orchard when General Daniel Sickles extended his battle line without orders. Here the regiment supported Union artillery batteries, and came under artillery fire from Confederate batteries on Seminary Ridge. It was then moved to Emmitsburg Road in front of the Orchard, then finally advanced across the road to the Sherfy Farmhouse to meet the Confederates under General William Barksdale charged through that area late in the afternoon. The 57th Pennsylvania held its position during the initial phase of the fighting, but lingered too long when the 114th Pennsylvania to its left gave way and retreated. The Mississippeans of Barksdale's brigade tore into the Pennsylvanians as it crushed the III Corps Peach Orchard salient, many of whom were captured while in position around the Sherfy Farmhouse buildings, including the regiment's Major. During the fighting Colonel Sides was severely wounded, and the regimental command devolved onto Captain Alanson H. Nelson, who led his units belated retreat back to Cemetery Ridge, where it stayed form the rest of the battle. The unit lost 16 killed or mortally wounded, including 2nd Lieutenant John F. Cox and 1st Lieutenant Henry Mitchell of Company E, 43 wounded and 57 missing in action (most being captured).
Bio by: RPD2
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