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Asher D. Cole was an original member of the Fighting 149th and appears as a character in the novel. He acts as a steadying influence on his younger cousins, Henry and Willie. In real life Asher supp
Company A of the 149th PA mustered in at Wellsboro on August 9, 1862, under Captain Alfred Sofield. A sad goodbye followed shortly after as the men made their way to Camp Curtin near Harrisburg, PA.
When the Rebels invaded Maryland in early September, 1862, the 149th was rushed to Washington to help defend the capital. Above, reenactor, Jim Young, portrays a Bucktail on guard duty.
In February of 1863, the 149th were sent to Belle Plain, Virginia, to finish their combat training. Above, reenactor, Jefferson Dedrick, stands on picket duty, which was performed by soldiers who were
The 149th received their baptism of fire during the Chancellorsville Campaign of May 3-5, 1863, scouting for Hooker's Union Army. Note the rough terrain of the Wilderness surrounding the Catherine Ir
Col. Stone's brigade formed an L-shaped battle line near McPherson's barn. The 150th PA faced west toward Willoughby's Run, while the 149th and 143rd PA lined up behind the Chamberburg Pike facing no
The 149th made two savage charges to the railroad cut to stop Confederate advances.
The remnants of Col. Stone's brigade retreated to Seminary Ridge around 3 p.m. to thwart yet another Rebel charge.
The famed Iron Brigade fought on the Bucktails' left flank thorughout the first day's battle at Gettysburg. Above, modern reenactors pose before the monument honoring the 24th Michigan.
The survivors of the 149th gathered on Cemetery Hill after Day One at Gettysburg. Little more than a company was left of the battered regiment. Their officers were annihilated and their colors lost.
The 149th Pennsylvania's monument sits alongside Route 30 just west of Gettysburg. Note McPherson's barn in the background.
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