8th New York Cavalry Monument Damaged at Gettysburg
National Park Service officials at Gettysburg National Military Park are seeking for information in relation to a hit-and-run accident involving the monument placed in honor of the 8th New York Cavalry, which is located on South Reynolds Avenue on the battlefield. The incident occurred sometime late on the night of May 20 - 21, 2006. Law Enforcement Rangers have recovered parts from the automobile believed to be involved from the scene, and believe it to be a mid-1990s red Ford Mustang. The vehicle being sought may show damage on right side of the front area, including the headlight. Damage to the stone 8th New York Cavalry monument was minor. Anyone with information is asked to call 717/ 334-0909.
The 8th New York Cavalry, also known as the "The Rochester Regiment" and "The Crooks Cavalry Regiment," was organized at the Rochester, NY fairgrounds and mustered into service between November 23-28, 1861 and October 4, 1862, as a three-year regiment. At Gettysburg, as part of Buford's Division, they formed the forward skirmish line, bravely fighting for nearly three hours before falling back to the main battle line on McPherson's Ridge on Day 1. Other major engagements the 8th were a part of were Winchester, Antietam, Upperville, Barbee's Cross Roads, Beverly Ford, Locust Grove, Hawe's Shop, Wilson's Raid, White Oak Swamp, Opequan, Cedar Creek, and the Appomattox Campaign.