Cumberland Township near Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
4th Michigan Infantry
Photographed By Craig Swain, November 11, 2008
1. 4th Michigan Infantry Monument
2nd Brig. 1st Div. 5th Corps.
participated in 53 skirmishes and general engagements
from Bull Run Va. July 21st 1861 to Appomattox Va. April 9th 1865.
(Back):
June 20th 1861
Veterans consolidated with
First Mich. Infantry June 30th 1864.
Total enrollment 1325 officers and men.
Killed in action - officers 8 - men 115
Died of wounds - officers 4 - men 50
died of disease - officers 1 - men 95
Total 273
This monument marks the position held by the regiment July 2nd 1863
Present for duty -27 officers - 376 men - Total 403
Killed 1 officer 24 men. Wounded 9 officers 55 men. Missing 1 officer 75 men. Total 165.
Colonel Harrison H. Jeffords fell mortally wounded at this point.
Thrust through with a bayonet in recapturing the colors of his regiment.
'From his bosom that heaved, the last torrent that was streaming,
and pale was his visage, deep marked with a scar.
And dim was that eye, once expressively beaming,
that melted in love, and that kindled in war.
Erected 1889 by State of Michigan.
Topics. This memorial is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is July 21, 1861.
Location. 39°
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Second Brigade (a few steps from this marker); 62nd Pennsylvania Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker); Third Brigade (within shouting distance of this marker); Whirlpool of Death (within shouting distance of this marker); 17th Maine Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker); 115th Pennsylvania Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker); 57th New York Infantry (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); a different marker also named Third Brigade (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gettysburg.
Also see . . . 4th Michigan Infantry. Very detailed history of the regiment. Information about Michael Vreeland was gathered from the unit roster presented on this site. (Submitted on December 12, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Photographed By Craig Swain, November 11, 2008
2. Front Inscription
Photographed By Craig Swain, November 11, 2008
3. Relief on Front of Monument
The figure is the likeness of Col. Jeffords. He holds upright the regimental colors he sought to retrieve on the battlefield.
Photographed By Craig Swain, November 11, 2008
4. Back Inscription
Photographed By Craig Swain, November 11, 2008
5. State Seal on Left Side
Photographed By Craig Swain, November 11, 2008
6. Corps Badge on the Right Side
Photographed By Craig Swain, November 11, 2008
7. Monument from the Left Flank
Looking from the left flank marker for the regiment toward the monument. The right flank marker is in the field on the opposite side of DeTrobriand Avenue.
Photographed By Craig Swain, November 11, 2008
8. 4th Michigan Infantry Line
The flank markers indicate a general location of the regiment at the height of the fighting in the Wheatfield.
Photographed By Al Barrera, July 6, 2005
9. Plaque on the Grave of Michael J. Vreeland
Located in Woodmere Cemetery, Detroit Michigan. Vreeland was a First Lieutenant in Company I, 4th Michigan at Gettysburg. He was wounded in the breast and hand in the same fight for the regimental colors that claimed Col. Jefford's life. Later Vreeland was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and breveted to Colonel and Brigadier General for bravery and meritorious service.
Photographed By Al Barrera, July 6, 2005
10. Another View of Vreeland's Grave
See link 2 above.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 12, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,474 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on December 12, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 9, 10. submitted on December 11, 2008, by Al Barrera of Brownstown, Michigan.
