Members of Starkweather's Brigade (79th Pennsylvania, 1st Wisconsin, 21st Wisconsin, 24th Illinois) stand their ground at the Battle of Perryville, Kentucky, October 8, 1862. Sketched by A.E. Mathews, 31st O.V.I. Courtesy of Perryville Battlefield State Park, Perryville, Kentucky.
Welcome to the home of the 79th Pennsylvania Veteran Volunteer Infantry Regiment, also known as the "Lancaster Rifles". The 79th Pennsylvania was raised in Lancaster County in September, 1861 as a three year regiment, and was commanded by local railroadman and Mexican War veteran, Colonel Henry A. Hambright. The majority of the regiment was recruited in Lancaster County, with Company D being raised in Washington County, PA, and supplying the regiment's second in command, Lieutenant Colonel David Miles. As the 79th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, the regiment re-enlisted en masse in 1864, earning the right to add "Veteran" to their name. The 79th served in the Western Theater, fighting in the major engagements of Perryville, Stones River, Chickamauga, The Atlanta Campaign, the March to the Sea, The Pursuit of General Johnston's Army through the Carolinas, and the Battle of Bentonville. They were mustered out of service in July, 1865.
