Gettysburg's Monuments: From Their "EYE'S" the 78th & 102nd New York Infantry

78th & 102nd New York Infantry Monument

The 78th & 102nd New Your Infantry Monument was dedicated July 2, 1888. The New York Tribune would note on July 3, 1888, "The 78th and 102d New York Infantry joined to erect the figure of an infantryman firing from behind a breastwork." These two regiments would combine their monument as they would be consolidated into one unit in July, 1864. 
The sculptor, Robert D. Barr, worked with the Smith Granite Company in creating this and other monuments at Gettysburg. 
 This impressive monument is located on Culp's Hill along Slocum Avenue.
These two regiments were part of the Brigade commanded by George S. Greene. Greene's men would hold this position along with others throughout the July 2 and 3 fighting.
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Taking carful aim.

A Star, the symbol of the 12th Corps is displayed on the top of the kepi.

Aiming at a now gone enemy.

The breastwork offers a steady rest.

The sculptor Barr, included the left eye closed while aiming.

On the evening of July 2, Southern troops would attack the 78th and 102nd New York's position on the upper hill.  Skirmishing in front of their earthworks, Sgt. M.L. Olmsted of the 102nd New York would record "we in the heavy timber made every tree and rock a veritable battlefield, and probably during the whole war a more stubborn skirmish fight was never waged." Southern troops would make several assaults on the position held by these two New York regiments. They would fail to dislodge Northern troops along this portion of the line.

                      From the eyes of the 78th and 102nd New York's

  Over the years, Gettysburg battlefield monuments have seen their share of vandalism. One of the most severe events of vandalism took place on March 4, 1913. The Gettysburg National Military Park Commission would note in its July 1, 1913 report: "Probably between 4 p.m. and dark, nine monuments on the battlefield were damaged by a vandal, who seemed to have no other motive but pure maliciousness, as he took nothing away." Several of the monuments were so damage they were required to be replaced. Some of the damage noted in the pictures of the 78th and 102nd New York Infantry monument were caused by a severe storm. This storm occurred on September 30th , 1896. This monument would later see damage the results of vandals.

Damage from the storm of September 30, 1896. Slocum Avenue can be seen in the background.

One cannot specify what damage was caused by the storm or by vandals. As we review the images we can see the results of not only storms but the malicious behavior that has occurred over the years. Were thankful we still have these wonderful works of art.

When one studies the details of the monument, the true extent of the damage is apparent.

The front of the barrel has been replaced.