Middlesex Township near Carlisle in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
A Medal of Honor at Bear Paw Mountain
Brigadier General Edward Settle Godfrey
| | Served: 1861 - 1907 | |
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 25, 2023
1. A Medal of Honor at Bear Paw Mountain Marker
On a cold, late September day in 1877, Captain Edward Settle Godfrey commanded Company D of the 7th U.S. Cavalry in a charge against the Nez Perce at Bear Paw Mountain. His horse was shot out from under him causing the young Captain to take a hard fall to the ground. Dazed but not out, he recovered his senses, mounted the blood splattered horse of a dead trooper, and continued to give orders. Godfrey's good fortune was short lived as he was soon struck by a bullet in his left side. In great pain, he was helped back on his horse and rode to the field hospital for treatment.
The siege at Bear Paw Mountain would last for five more days and ended with the surrender of Chief Joseph. On October 5th 1877, Chief Joseph proclaimed, "From where the sun now stands I shall fight no more forever."
Godfrey survived his wound and was awarded the Medal of Honor in 1894 for his service at Bear Paw Mountain. He retired in 1907.
Led his command into action when he was severely wounded.
Medal of Honor Citation
Erected by U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in
this page online
Location. 40° 12.251′ N, 77° 9.549′ W. Marker is near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, in Cumberland County. It is in Middlesex Township. It is on Army Heritage Trail south of Soldiers Drive, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Carlisle PA 17013, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in South-Central Pennsylvania and in Greater Harrisburg. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Drummer Jarvis Hanks (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 25, 2023
2. A Medal of Honor at Bear Paw Mountain Marker
Other markers no longer nearby. The Carlisle Forge (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Model 1857 Light 12 Pound Gun-Howitzer (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing); Bugler John Cook (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing); A Toll Paid in Blood (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been confirmed missing).
Credits. This page was last revised on March 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 2, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 245 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 2, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
