Bronze figure of remembrance: The legacy of the Orange Blossoms

GOSHEN — During the Civil War, countless local regiments made up of patriotic volunteers wanted to do their part to make the United States whole again. One was 124th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment, better known as the “Orange Blossoms," which officially mustered on Sept. 5, 1862, by Colonel August Van Horne Ellis. It was made up of Orange County residents with veterans of the 71st New York State Militia. The regiment took part in 43 engagements, including many famous battles, such as Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Appomattox Courthouse, and, of course, Gettysburg, where they squared off against the 1st Texas Volunteer Infantry. The Confederates named the 124th “The Red Stringed Devils” because of the red badges they wore on the battlefield. At the end of the war, the regiment was welcomed back as heroes.

Read the full article written by Aaron Lefkowitz on The Chronicle.