71st Pennsylvania Volunteers
2nd Brigade, 2nd Division
(Front):California Regiment
71 Pennsylvania Vols.
commanded by
Col. R. Penn Smith
carried into action
24 officers 307 enlisted men
casualties
Killed 2 officers 19 enlisted men
Wounded 3 officers 55 enlisted men
Missing 3 officers 16 enlisted men
Total 98.
2. Brig. 2. Div. 2. Corps.
(Back):Philadelphia Brigade
To the left of this point on July 2 the 71. Penna. assisted in repulsing the furious attack of Wright's Ga. Brig. During the terrific cannonading of July 3, the Regiment occupied a position 60 yards in the rear of this spot. A number of the men voluntarily helping to work Cushing's disabled battery. As the enemy emerged from Seminary Ridge the Regiment was ordered forward. The left wing to this point, the right to the walls in the rear. When Pickett's Division pushed upon the left wing in overwhelming numbers, it fell back into line with the right, thus bringing the whole regiment into action. With the additional use of a large number of loaded muskets gathered from the battle-field of the previous day. The Regiment captured a number of prisoners and three flags.
(Left):Patriotism
This Regiment was organized April 29, 1861. Being the first 3 year regiment to complete its organization, it was enlisted in Philadelphia by Senator E.D. Baker and Isaac J. Wistar by special authority from the War Department to be credited to the State of California and was known as the "California Regiment." After the death of Colonel E.D. Baker at Ball's Bluff, Oct. 21, 1861, it was claimed by its native state and became the 71. Pennsylvania.
(Right):Heroism
The 71. Pennsylvania participated in all the principal battles of the Army of the Potomac and most of the minor ones until mustered out at the expiration of its term of service July 2, 1864. It numbered during its service nearly 2300 men. The total loss during that period being about 1800.
Marker is on Hancock Avenue, on the left when traveling north.
Courtesy hmdb.org
