72nd Pennsylvania Infantry Monument, Civil War memorial on Cemetery Ridge, Gettysburg, United States
The 72nd Pennsylvania Infantry Monument features a bronze statue of a Zouave soldier in combat pose mounted on a polished granite base at the Angle. The main memorial sits about 15 yards west of Hancock Avenue on Cemetery Ridge, with a secondary marker positioned roughly 70 yards to the east.
The monument marks where the 72nd Pennsylvania Infantry defended against Pickett's Charge and captured enemy flags along with many prisoners. This regiment played a vital role during that crucial moment of the battle.
The regiment was mostly made up of firefighters from Philadelphia who wore distinctive North African Zouave uniforms with their loose trousers and short jackets. These colorful outfits made them stand out from other soldiers during their service in the Union army.
The monument stands about 13.5 feet tall and is located at an easy-to-reach spot on the battlefield. Visitors will find it near the main walking path, making it convenient to include in a tour of the ridge.
The placement of this memorial led to a legal dispute that reached the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. The court ruled that state authority took priority over decisions made by memorial associations.
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