The 151st Pennsylvania Volunteers at Gettysburg: Like Ripe Apples in a Storm

by Michael A. Dreese

While the Battle of Gettysburg is often remembered for Chamberlain's dramatic defense of Little Round Top, Pickett and Pettigrew's tragic charge, and the stand of the "Iron Brigade," less-remembered units like the 151st Pennsylvania were also crucial in the Civil War's most famous battle. The 151st lost over 72 percent of its men to death, wounds, or capture, the second-highest-percentage loss of all Federal units at the battle. This is the account of that courageous unit and its role in this decisive moment in American history.

Genres: History

200 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2000

Reviews

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

My great-great-great grandfather fought with the 151st Pa. Volunteers as part of Company C. I bought this book in the gift shop at the Seminary Ridge Museum in Gettysburg, seeking a better understanding of where the regiment was before, during and after the battle.

Dreese does an excellent job with explaining the role of the 151st in some of the fiercest fighting on July 1 and July 3.
He also spends a great deal of effort in exploring General McFarland's history.

The chapters of hospital scenes and the experiences of the prisoners contained interesting details, but got a bit long.

There is an appendix listing the casualties of the 151st; however, there is no list of all the members.