Philadelphia Brigade | |
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Active | September 1861 - July 1865 |
Country | United States of America |
Branch | United States Army Union Army |
Type | infantry |
Size | Four regiments |
Engagements | American Civil War |
Commanders | |
Notable commanders | Brig. Gen. Oliver O. Howard Brig. Gen. Joshua T. Owen Brig. Gen. Alexander S. Webb Brig. Gen. William W. Burns |
The Philadelphia Brigade (also known as the California Brigade) was a Union Army brigade that served in the American Civil War. It was raised primarily in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with the exception of the 106th regiment which contained men from Lycoming and Bradford counties.
The brigade fought with the Army of the Potomac in the Eastern Theater for the entirety of its existence and fought in several major battles, including the battles of Antietam, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, and the Overland Campaign. One of its most famous actions was during Pickett's Charge on July 3 at the Battle of Gettysburg, where it defended the Angle on Cemetery Ridge. Half of the brigade was mustered out in June 1864 and the remainder was transferred to another brigade.