1st Minnesota

[Guest paracollector]

Hopelessly outnumbered, with the line falling apart around them, they charged.

The 1st Minnesota pulled off one the most audacious, outnumbered (depending on which account 1:4 to 1:7 ratio of attacker versus defender) infantry charges in history. Charging across open terrain, under heavy fire, the terribly outnumbered force took the fight to the advancing enemy, and stopped it cold. The 1st Minnesota suffered 82% casualties that day, but saved the Union Line.

The 1st Minnesota should have charged into history that day, but instead they charged into oblivion. Except for students of the Gettysberg Battle, hardcore Army History buffs, and some reenactors, this action is almost unknown.

As far as I know only 1 book has been written about them, and maybe a couple of magazine articles. They are not even mentioned in any movie about the battle, though on occassion, you may catch a blurb during a documentary.

These men deserve better.

Here is a link to a blurb about the battle:

http://www.brotherswar.com/Gettysburg-2k.htm

John

[Bob Hunter]

Bruce Catton has described their actions that day in both his trilogies and it is addressed in the Official Records or the War of the Rebellion.

[Guest paracollector]

I stand corrected.

Thanks,

John