Maine at War posts for July 2025

In July 2025, Maine at War joined the 3rd Maine Infantry during its fight at the Peach Orchard, then went on the road to find Civil War monuments in two Maine towns. The month ended with Maine infantrymen encountering some serious problems while taking excursions along the Gulf Coast in Mississippi and Louisiana.

July 2, 1863: The 3rd Maine Infantry battles in the Peach Orchard at Gettysburg

Ordered to support two artillery batteries unlimbered near the Sherfy peach orchard outside Gettysburg, Col. Moses B. Lakeman could not foresee the Mississippi-induced hell that would soon engulf his woefully under-strength regiment.

July 9, 2025: Two brothers fulfilled their monumental promise to Bridgton, Maine

Despite their political differences, brothers Nathan and Henry Cleaves decided in the 1880s to provide a Civil War monument to their hometown of Bridgton, Maine. Nathan died, but Henry kept that promise in 1910. Restored in 2019, the monument is a major local landmark.

July 16, 2023: Moose won’t mince monumental directions in Greenville, Maine

The veterans’ monument in Greenville, Maine honors the veterans of four wars, including the Civil War. The author has sought the monument for years; as it turns out, he probably should have asked a local moose for directions.

July 23, 2025: Confederate guerrillas shoot up Mainers’ Gulf Coast cruise

Brigadier General Neal Dow took some 13th Maine Infantry lads on a cruise to raid Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. Thinking all was well and done, he was relaxing at dinner when hidden Confederates suddenly attacked the steamer.

July 30, 2025: New Orleans cruise ends with an earth-shattering “ka-boom”

The steamer Ceres left Ship Island for New Orleans on October 7, 1862. The good ship and crew subsequently made a spectacular scene on Lake Borgne.