Minnesotans remember the 1st Minnesota Volunteer Infantry on Veterans Day

November 11, 12:50 PMSouth St. Paul ExaminerRob Shirk

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The 1st Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Monument at Gettysburg

The 1st Minnesota Volunteer Infantry was formed in April of 1861 and was mustered into the Union Army for three years, acquiring fame and legendary status at the Battle of Gettysburg in early July, 1863.

The fortunes of the 1st started poorly and as the casualty lists were totaled at the end of The First Battle of Bull Run it was found to have sustained the highest casualty rate of any regiment on the field that day. It would not be the first time that the unit would carry a dubious honor such as this.

The nation saw its most deadly day with 23.000 casualties at the Battle of Antietam in September, 1862 and the 1st Minnesota laid more than their fair share down as they assaulted that part of the field known as The West Woods under the command Gen. John Sedgwick. The ill-fated attack resulted in a rout of the Union forces even as Minnesotans fought with bravery and distinction.

The fame of the regiment came on the blistering hot day of July 2nd, 1863 at The Battle of Gettysburg. The regiment was being held in reserve under the command of Maj. Gen. Winfield Hancock along Cemetery Ridge and when General Sickle's were repulsed that afternoon it opened a yawning cavity in the Union line which Confederate forces were taking advantage of rapidly. If successful, the Union line would be broken and subject to devastating attacks from the Confederate Army under Robert E. Lee.

Of the 262 men who made the charge, there were but 47 still standing when reinforcements arrived. More than 83% were dead, wounded, or missing, a casualty rate that remains as the highest of any regiment of any war fought by the United States Army. Their charge is generally regarded as the fight that won the battle for the battle that won the war.

The next day saw 17 more from the 1st Minnesota Infantry fall during Pickett's Charge, where the colors of the 28th Virginia was captured and may be seen even today at the rotunda of the state capitol in St. Paul. The regiment fulfilled their duty bravely, until the end of the war. The monument to the 1st Minnesota Volunteer Infantry located at the Gettysburg battleground has these words, in part, inscribed

And the charge as instantly made down the slope at full speed through the concentrated fire of the two brigades breaking with the bayonet the enemy's front line as it was crossing the small brook in the low ground there the remnant of the eight companies, nearly surrounded by the enemy held its entire force at bay for a considerable time & till it retired on the approach of the reserve the charge successfully accomplished its object. It saved this position & probably the battlefield. The loss of the eight companies in the charge was 215 killed & wounded. More than 83% percent. 47 men were still in line & no man missing. In self sacrificing desperate valor this charge has no parallel in any war.

Happy Veterans Day.

Veterans Day is not only Minnesotan but it carries alot of weight in Denver, also. Richard Taylor, our Denver Communities Examiner, has some additional words.