On This Date In Twin Cities History - June 22, 1861

On this date in 1861, the 1st Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment leaves Fort Snelling for Washington to take part in the Civil War. The regiment was the first from any state offered for national service during the Civil War. The men of the 1st saw action in some of most significant battles of the War including the First Battle of Bull Run, Antietam and Fredericksburg. However, they are most remembered for their actions on July 2, 1863, during the second day’s fighting at Gettysburg, when the regiment was ordered to assault a much larger enemy force in order to hold a line at Cemetery Ridge until reinforecments could arrive. The regiment saw 215 casualties that day (82%), but were crucial in holding a position that would prove pivotal in the battle.