Sculpted by Gary Casteel
 
1863 Signed and Numbered Limited Edition Monument Replicas
 
The 12th Illinois Cavalry was organized at Camp Butler, near Springfield, and was mustered into the United States service on the 28th day of February 28, 1862, Col. Arno Voss commanding.  The regiment served in Maryland and Virginia until the spring of 1863, when it joined the cavalry corps of the Army of the Potomac.  Col. Voss was, temporarily, placed in command of a brigade and was succeeded in the command of the regiment by Lieut. Col. Davis.  The next important service of the regiment, under Col. Davis, was the Richmond raid in April, 1863.  After this, the regiment was assigned to the first brigade, 1st division, cavalry corps, Buford's, where it encountered much hard service during the campaign of 1863, including the battle of Gettysburg. Here it was commanded by Capt. George W. Shears, a brave and capable officer. (From the address by William M. Luff, Esq., late major of the 12th Illinois cavalry at the dedication ceremony for the monument.)
 
The regiment had parts of five companies at Gettysburg and was combined with the 3rd Indiana Cavalry regiment under the command of Colonel George H. Chapman.  At an early hour on the 1st of July, 1863, Gen. John Buford fell upon the flanks of Longstreet's Corps, which was moving south from Carlisle, PA, charging and recharging, and forcing a portion of the enemy at every onslaught to halt and form line of battle. In this manner the Confederates were not only sorely damaged by the loss of a large number of men killed and wounded, but their movements were greatly impeded, which gave General Meade an opportunity to push forward his lagging infantry, and get them into position for resistance.
 
A Brigade of Pennsylvania militia and a battery of artillery, commanded by "Baldy" Smith, which had got into Longstreet's front, and were being hotly pressed, with every indication of falling prisoners, were rescued from that unhappy fate from the daring west roughriders, under Davis, Medill and Chapman, who charged right into the face of the rebel infantry, and forced them to give up the pursuit. After this feat, the Brigade fell back on the main body of the Division, fighting dismounted; Buford continued to hold his position against Longstreet's entire Corps of Infantry until relieved by the celebrated "Iron Brigade", of Wisconsin infantry, and their troops of the First Corps under the command of Gen. John Reynolds around 10 o'clock a.m.  The regiment then covered the withdrawal of the line to Cemetery Hill and in the evening took position on the left flank of the Army of the Potomac.
 
On the 4th of July, when Lee's Army made its last grand attempt to retrieve its fortunes, the Brigade was hastened off toward Williamsport, with orders to seize the Ford and hold it against the enemy.  In the march from Gettysburg to Williamsport about 2,000 Confederates were captured, and over 200 wagons and teams. The wagons were destroyed, and the mules driven to Washington.
 
On the 6th of July, the cavalry reached the vicinity of Williamsport, and being informed that the place was guarded by only one Regiment of Stuart's cavalry, the Eighth Illinois and a portion of the Twelfth, rushed forward, driving out the enemy.
 
“We cannot hope that many of us will meet here again to review the past, but let us trust that the future may have for the old soldier, good store of comfort and that the respect and consideration of his fellow citizens may never be wanting.” --William M. Luff, Esq., late major of the 12th Illinois cavalry
 
The marker was dedicated in 1891, and is located west of Gettysburg on Reynolds Avenue between the Railroad Cut and Chambersburg Road.