Gettysburg 50th Reunion Ribbon of the 126th New York Infantry

This is a beautiful 50^th Gettysburg Anniversary Reunion Ribbon of the 126^th New York Infantry. Overall, it measures 5 ½” x 2” and across the top is “REUNION” and on the blue ribbon “50^th / Anniversary / 126^th Regiment / New York State / Volunteers / Geneva, N.Y. / Aug. 22, 1912”. At the bottom is a period image of the 126^th NY monument at Gettysburg.

In late June 1863, the 126th was on garrison duty around Washington, DC when they were transferred to the Army of the Potomac. The regiment arrived in Gettysburg on the early morning of July 2 (the second day of the battle). For two days, the regiment played an important role in defending the Union lines, particularly during Pickett’s Charge.

Of the approximately 455 men from the 126th at Gettysburg, 40 were killed (including Colonel Sherrill), 181 were wounded and 10 went missing. Actually, I have Colonel Sherrill’s personal wallet in my private collection and discuss it in my book “The Civil War Soldier – His Personal Items”.

Only three other Union regiments had more men killed, wounded, or captured – 24th Michigan (272), 111th New York (235) and 151st Pennsylvania (223). Three members of the regiments (George H Dore, Morris Brown, Jr., and Johnny Wall) would receive Medals of Honor for capturing Confederate flags.

For the next two years, the 126th fought in battles in Virginia, including the Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor and Petersburg. To honor the men of the 126th, the State of New York dedicated a monument at Gettysburg on October 3, 1888 (see pictures).

This ribbon was made by the most famous manufacturer of Civil War Veteran ribbons “Whitehead & Hoag Co., Newark, New Jersey”. The top metal clasp has the patent date, as well as the reverse of the image “June 12, ‘94”. This ribbon is in excellent condition and one that is rare and difficult to find.