Outnumbered at least 6 to 1, the 1st Minnesota Volunteer Infantry suffered 82% casualties when they heroically charged headlong into enemy forces to shore up a gap in Union lines during the Battle of Gettysburg on this date in 1863.
The role these brave Minnesotans played in preserving the United States of America cannot be overstated.
General Winfield Scott Hancock said that "no soldiers on any field, in this or any other country ever displayed grander heroism," and insisted that "there is no more gallant deed recorded in history."
In a speech in Cannon Falls, MN on the Fourth of July 1928, President Calvin Coolidge said these men's heroism that day entitled them to the rank of "saviors of their country."
Think about that next time you see a Confederate symbol displayed on Minnesota soil.
The next day, the survivors from the 1st Minnesota helped repel Pickett's Charge and lost another 17 killed and wounded.
Minnesota is in possession of a blood-stained, bullet-pierced Virginia battle flag captured July 3rd.
Virginia has been asking for it back for over 100 years.
Governor Jesse Ventura's response at the White House in 2000: “Why? I mean, we won. … We took it. That makes it our heritage.”
We heard about a guy named Charles B who hasn't been to MN in 20 years. So we planned a road trip for him—check https://t.co/yhtPwRf2sU and bring ya gas!
Bryn Mawr
Red Rock
International Falls
Newfolden
Graceville
Young America
Arco
Adrian
Spring Valley
St. Paul