A Part of Minnesota's Best

On November 23rd 1861 the Minnesota 2nd Sharpshooters were organized in St Paul, Minnesota. These men were mustered in to Union service in March of 1862, and moved to Washington DC April 21 - 26. They found themselves assigned to duty with the 1st Minnesota Infantry [when they were known as Company “L”] and were with them at the Gettysburg.

This unit saw service at New Bridge May 24th 1862, Hanover Court House May 27-29, Richmond June 25-July 1, Peach Orchard, Allen's Farm, and Savage Station June 29, White Oak Swamp and Glendale June 30, Malvern Hill July 1 and August 5, Harrison's Landing, Alexandria August 16-28, Centerville August 30, they covered Pope's retreat to Washington, D.C., September 1-2, Chantilly and Flint Hill September 1, Vienna September 2, Maryland Campaign September 6-22, Battles of South Mountain September 14, Antietam September 16-17, Harper's Ferry September 22, and duty there until October 30, reconnaissance of Charlestown October 16-17, Battle of Fredericksburg, Va., December 12-15, In 1863 they were at the Chancellorsville Campaign April 27-May 6, Franklin's Crossing April 29-May 2, Battle of Maryes Heights, Fredericksburg May 3, Salem Heights May 3-4, Haymarket June 25, Battle of Gettysburg, Pa., July 1-3, Pursuit of Lee to Manassas Gap, Va., July 5-24. At Kelly's Ford, Va., July 31-August 15, they were detached for duty in New York during draft disturbances August 15-September 16, Bristoe Station October 14, Rappahannock November 7-8, Kelly's Ford until November 26, Mine Run Campaign November 26-December 2, Camp at Stevensburg. In 1864, Campaign from the Rapidan to the James River May 3-June 15, Battles of the Wilderness May 5-7; Spotsylvania May 8-12; Spotsylvania Court House May 12-21; North Anna River May 23-26. On line of the Pamunkey May 26-28. Totopotomoy May 28-31. Cold Harbor June 1-12, Petersburg June 16, 1864, to March 19, 1865. The men who were left mustered out March 19, 1865 most were transferred to 1st Minnesota Battalion Infantry.