Dennis Doyle on "Illinois Regiments at Gettysburg"

December 12th, 2021

During the Battle of Gettysburg (July 1-3, 1863), there were three Illinois Regiments that served in the Army of Potomac. Those regiments were the 8th and 12th Illinois Cavalry and the 82nd Infantry Regiment, and a total of 1,027 men served during the Battle of Gettysburg. The three Illinois regiments suffered nine men killed during the battle, thirty-four men were wounded and ninety-six men were either missing or captured during the battle. The total strength of the Army of Potomac was estimated at 90,000 men and although Illinois contributed a small number to the Army of Potomac, they served with distinction and devotion during the three-day battle. Both the 8th and 12th Illinois Cavalry would serve well on the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg, as Lt. Marcellus Jones would fire the first shot of the battle on the morning of July 1. The two regiments would later retreat through Gettysburg and protected the Army of Potomac's left flank on Cemetery Hill on the evening of July 1 and the morning of July 2. Also present was the 82nd Illinois Regiment, which was comprised of mostly German-born soldiers and many who were recruited from Chicago. Under the overall command of Maj. Gen. O. O. Howard, the 82nd Illinois Regiment would serve in the 11th Corp. On Dec. 12th Professor Dennis Doyle will present his thoughts on the Illinois Regiments at Gettysburg. Dennis Doyle earned his BA from Colorado State University and his MA in American History from American Public University. Since 1999 he has taught History and Sociology at Joliet Jr. College, in Joliet Illinois. Professor Doyle is President of the South Suburban Civil War Round Table, and Treasurer of the Chicago CWRT. A former college football player, he is a long time college and high school football referee.