Pennsylvania Bucktails: A Photographic Album of the 42nd, 149th & 150 Pennsylvania Regiments

by Patrick A. Schroeder One of the most distinguished units to serve in the Civil War was the 42nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry (13th Reserves), popularly known as the Bucktails. These men adorned their own caps with bucktails and were thus set apart from the typical Federal soldier by their distinctive plumage. These Pennsylvanians saw action early in the war at Drainesville under the command of Col. Thomas Kane, who later fought with four companies in the Shenandoah Valley, while Major Roy Stone led the additional six companies on the Virginia Peninsula with the Army of the Potomac—both contingents rendering distinguished service. Kane’s men figured prominently at Harrisonburg, Cross Keyes, and Cedar Mountain, while Stone’s soldiers were equally gallant at Mechanicsville, Gaines’ Mill and Charles City Crossroads. Upon reunification of the regiment, they consistently displayed consistent courage and tactical ability on the battlefields of Second Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam,