- Joined
- Dec 30, 2019
In an effort to balance last Saturday's visit to the 20th Maine, there was also a visit to the much less visited monument showing the position on the night of July 2 of the 6th Pennsylvania Reserves (a/k/a 35th Pennsylvania Infantry). Though not often visited, it is not hard to find. It is at the end of a footpath on the north side of Wheatfield Road just opposite Ayres Avenue. The 6th Pa. Res. was on the right flank of the brigade line. Assuming that they took advantage of the stone wall in the area, their line would have been on a slight angle with that of the 11th Pennsylvania Reserves to their immediate left, but on an angle that bent forward (i.e. to the northwest), rather than bending back as one would expect if the line was refused.
Here are two photos of the right flank marker, one from a distance and one close up.
Looking to the right of the regiment's position (i.e. northeast) one can see the Trostle farm in the distance. Lt. Col. Wellington Ent, commanding the regiment, would likely have sent out skirmishers in this direction to guard the brigade's flank.
As one would expect, the left flank marker of the 6th Pa. Res. is next to the right flank marker for the 11th Pa. Res. It is interesting that the 11th Pa. Res. is in position with McCandless Brigade, as they are actually part of Fisher's Brigade. Nevertheless, on July 2 the 11th moved across Plum Run in the center of the front ranks of the McCandless's line and fought with that brigade for the remainder of the battle.
Looking westward from that location, one can see the J. Weikert Farm, near which one finds the monuments for Nevin's Brigade, which supported McCandless's Brigade on its right. Six members of the 6th Pa. Res. were awarded Medals of Honor for rushing a house of Confederates and capturing them. Although contemporary evidence is scanty, it was probably the old J. Weikert house. The current house was constructed after the war, but appears to be on the same foundation as the original.
Looking back in the opposite direction from the J. Weikert Farm, one can see both the 6th Pa. Res. Monument.
Here are two photos of the right flank marker, one from a distance and one close up.
Looking to the right of the regiment's position (i.e. northeast) one can see the Trostle farm in the distance. Lt. Col. Wellington Ent, commanding the regiment, would likely have sent out skirmishers in this direction to guard the brigade's flank.
As one would expect, the left flank marker of the 6th Pa. Res. is next to the right flank marker for the 11th Pa. Res. It is interesting that the 11th Pa. Res. is in position with McCandless Brigade, as they are actually part of Fisher's Brigade. Nevertheless, on July 2 the 11th moved across Plum Run in the center of the front ranks of the McCandless's line and fought with that brigade for the remainder of the battle.
Looking westward from that location, one can see the J. Weikert Farm, near which one finds the monuments for Nevin's Brigade, which supported McCandless's Brigade on its right. Six members of the 6th Pa. Res. were awarded Medals of Honor for rushing a house of Confederates and capturing them. Although contemporary evidence is scanty, it was probably the old J. Weikert house. The current house was constructed after the war, but appears to be on the same foundation as the original.
Looking back in the opposite direction from the J. Weikert Farm, one can see both the 6th Pa. Res. Monument.