Brief History:

The 42^nd. Pennsylvania, popularly known as the "Bucktails", were established on June 12, 1861. They saw action throughout the War, including Second Manassas, Antietam, Gettysburg and the Wilderness. Their last battle was on May 30, 1864, at Mechanicsville Road, and decommissioning followed on June 13, 1864. During the War they were known as Kane's Rifles (after their founder, Thomas L. Kane), the 42^nd. Pennsylvania Bucktails and as the 13^th. Pennsylvania Reserves. Losses were particularly heavy for this regiment, with 848 men reported as killed, wounded, captured or missing from a grand total of 1165 enlisted officers and men.

 

The story behind their nickname is quite simple, and relates to how one of their number, a Private James Landrigan, took it upon himself to improve the appearance of the uniform by attaching the tail of a deer to his forage cap. Kane approved this development, and encouraged other members of the troop to do likewise. 

 

Under the command of Colonel Charles Biddle, the Bucktails entered the fighting at Gaines Mill (June, 1862), in the Peninsular Campaign. Soon after Biddle was replaced by Hugh McNeil, who received an accolade from General Reynolds (after Second Manassas) due to their strong determination and discipline during the battle. McNeil was later killed at Antietam, being replaced Charles F. Taylor.

 

Further battles followed, with Taylor himself meeting his end at Gettysburg. The last major battle fought was the Wildnerness Campaign, during which the Bucktails were issued with Spencer repeating rifles, replacing their earlier muskets.

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