First Pennsylvania Cavalry

The First Pennsylvania Cavalry served in the 1 Brigade, 2 Division, Cavalry Corps, Army of the Potomac. Recruited in Montgomery, Berks, Blair, Cumberland, Juniata, Mifflin, Centre, Clinton, Greene, Fayette, Washington, and Allegheny Counties, it participated in 66 engagements, including Dranesville, Strasburg, Harrisonburg, Cross Keys, Cedar Mountain, Thoroughfare Gap, Gainesville, 2 Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Brandy Station, Aldie, Middleburg, Gettysburg, Shepherdstown, Muddy Run, Culpeper, Rapidan River, Sulphur Springs, Auburn, Bristoe Station, Mine Run, Todd's Tavern, Davenport, the fortifications of Richmond, Hawes' Shop, Cold Harbor, Trevillian Station, White House, St. Mary's Church, Reams' Station on July 12, 1864, Malvern Hill, Charles City Cross Road, Reams' Station on August 26, 1864, Hatcher's Run, Dinwiddie Court House, Paines' Cross Roads, Amelia Springs, Sailor's Creek, Farmville, and Appomattox. It was mustered in from July to September 1861, re-enlisted from January to February 1864, consolidated with the 6th and 17th Pennsylvania Cavalry to form the 2nd Provisional Pennsylvania Cavalry on June 17, 1865, and mustered out on August 7, 1865. At the opening of the artillery fire on the afternoon of July 3 at Gettysburg, the regiment was in line to the left and rear of this position under orders from Gen. Meade to charge the assaulting column if it succeeded in breaking the infantry line in front. Present at Gettysburg were 30 officers and 388 men. Total enrollment was 1500. Losses were 8 officers and 37 men killed or mortally wounded, 22 officers and 256 men wounded, 2 officers and 106 men dead from disease and other causes, and 4 officers and 102 men captured or missing, for total casualties of 537.

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania · United States