Erie Volunteers in the Civil War

The 145th Pennsylvania Volunteers formed at Erie, Pennsylvania in the summer of 1862, raised in part by David McCreary. The names of the recruits and officers read like a who's who of Erie County. In addition to McCreary, the list includes Osborn, Loomis, and Jordan. The surnames might sound familiar; if you've navigated through Erie County, you may have seen their names on roadsigns. 

Dr. Verel Salmon, former superintendent of the Millcreek School District, is the author of "Common Men in the War for the Common Man," a history of the 145th from its formation in 1862 to the Battle of Gettysburg in July of 1863. Dr. Salmon's great-great-grandfather, George W. Salmon, served in the 145th.

The flag in the photograph above was carried into battle on December 13, 1862 at Fredricksburg, where it was heavily damaged. It was returned to Erie and was later presented to the Erie Public Library by the veterans of the 145th. The flag is on display in the Heritage Room at the Blasco Memorial Library in Erie.

Dr. Salmon spoke at the Erie County Historical Society as part of the Sally Carlow Kohler Lecture Series. The event, which was free and open to the public, took place on Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at 419 State St. in Erie, PA.

Enjoy more historical facts and photos of Erie, PA at: Old Time Erie