Iron Brigade monument detail

As one historian has concluded, the Iron Brigade was “Arguably the finest fighting unit of the Army of the Potomac” and “was both feared and respected by the enemy. The men could be easily distinguished by their tall black Hardee hats.” This unique unit, recruited from the Union’s mid-western states, contained five regiments: the 19th Indiana, 24th Michigan, and the 2nd, 6th and 7th Wisconsin commanded by Brig. Gen Solomon Meredith. Their principal fighting occurred on McPherson Ridge, the famed Railroad Cut and Seminary Ridge before ordered to Culp’s Hill at the end of July 1, having sustained approximately 63% casualties. Their division commander, Brig. Gen. James Wadsworth later told Col. Henry Morrow of the 24th Michigan that “the only fault I have with you is that you fought too long, but God only knows what would have become of the Army of the Potomac if you had not held the ground as long as you did.”

Source: Following Famous Fighting Brigades at Gettysburg – June 15-18, 2022 (americashistoryllc.com)

On a piece of barn beam.