69th Pennsylvania Infantry

Alternate Designations: Second California.

Commander: Col. Dennis O’Kane (1824-July 4, 1863), mortally wounded on July 3; Capt. William Davis (ca. 1832-1883).

Numbers: 329; 40 killed, 80 wounded, 17 missing.

Raised: Philadelphia.

Dedicated July 3, 1887.

Location: Located on the south side of the former Webb Avenue west of the Copse of Trees. The Quincy granite sculpture indicates the position held by the 69th Pennsylvania during Longstreet’s Assault July 3, 1863. It is also near the spot where their commander, Col. Dennis O’Kane, was killed.

Description: Ten granite company markers are one foot square, connected by a chain. Shaft stands on a polished pedestal and a rough-hewn base. A Coat of Arms for the State of Pennsylvania is affixed to the plinth. Decorative elements include the Corps insignia, Irish lyre and United States flags.

Fox notes, “This regiment, like the New York Sixty-ninth, was composed mostly of Irish blood, and fully sustained the reputation of the Irish soldier for gallantry in battle.”

National Park Service List of Classified Monuments Number: MN228.

Sculptor: Joseph E. Burk

Army of the Potomac > Second Corps > Second Division > Second Brigade