Photograph as originally submitted to this page in the Historical Marker Database www.HMdb.org. Click on photo to resize in browser. Scroll down to see metadata.

Photographer: Craig Swain
Taken: July 30, 2007
Caption: The Old 71st Pennsylvania Infantry Marker
Additional Description: The current marker replaced this one in August 2007. The unit name was changed as well as the text. It read:
The 71st Pennsylvania Infantry, also known as the First California Regiment, was commanded by Colonel Edward D. Baker. Baker, a seated Republican senator from Oregon and close friend of President Lincoln, arrived on the field at about two o'clock in the afternoon. With their backs to the bluff, Baker attempted to rally his troops. Captain Francis Young of the 71st Pennsylvania described Baker's final moments: "Colonel Baker was at all times in the open field walking in front of the men...about five o'clock he was standing near the left of the woods and was shot with a cavalry revolver by a private of the enemy. At the time he was shot, he was looking at a mounted officer...who appeared to be falling from his horse. Colonel Baker, turning about, said, 'See, he falls,' and immediately fell, receiving four balls, each of which would have been fatal."
Source: Battle of Balls Bluff by Kim Bernard Holien, 1989, Rapidan Press
Submitted: August 31, 2007, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
Database Locator Identification Number: p6262
File Size: 1.082 Megabytes

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