Newhall in Santa Clarita in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

William J. Johnston Jr.

Photographed by Craig Baker, July 18, 2018

1. William J Johnston Jr Marker

Inscription.
Presented the Medal of Honor on September 16, 1863 for gallantry in the Seven Day Battle and Peninsula Campaign.

“Willie” was a five foot tall, eleven year-old drummer boy in Company D, Third Vermont Volunteers Infantry of the Union Army, when he earned the Congressional Medal of Honor. He alone saved his drum and held his ground, and his devotion to duty is an inspiration to children and adults alike. Abraham Lincoln and Secretary of War Stanton honored Willie with the following words:
"For exemplifying the spirit of all our soldiers, and for serving your country so well. The nation has decided to honor you. May all our citizens demonstrate the devotion shown by this young man."

Erected 2005 by Historical Veterans Memorial Committee.

Topics and series. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 16, 1863.

Location. 34° 22.659′ N, 118° 31.721′ W. Memorial is in Santa Clarita, California, in Los Angeles County. It is in Newhall. It

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can be reached from the intersection of Walnut Street and Newhall Avenue, on the left when traveling north. Located in the park at Veterans Historical Plaza. Touch for map. Memorial is at or near this postal address: 24275 Walnut St, Newhall CA 91321, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this memorial is in Greater Los Angeles

and in the Transverse Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: World War I (here, next to this marker); World War II (here, next to this marker); Spanish-American War (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named World War II (a few steps from this marker); Senator William J. "Pete" Knight (a few steps from this marker); Civil War (a few steps from this marker); Korean War (a few steps from this marker); Mexican American War

Photographed by Craig Baker, July 18, 2018

2. William J Johnston Jr Marker

(a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Santa Clarita.

Photographed by Craig Baker, July 18, 2018

3. William J Johnston Jr Marker

Veterans Historical Plaza image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker, July 18, 2018

4. Veterans Historical Plaza

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 4, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 770 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 4, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.