The 15th Alabama

Best known for their attendance at the Battle of Gettysburg for taking on Chamberlain's 20th Maine, the 15th Alabama saw several high-casualty conflicts during the American Civil War. The 15th Alabama's history is marked by substantial bravery, but significant loss. One of their first encampments proved to be of major detriment as they posted tentage next to the 21st North Carolina who, notably, was suffering an intense bout of measles. Here, at least 200 men would succumb to the disease (12.25% of total mustered members, 28.57% of all casualties) in August 1861. At Deep Bottom in 1864, the unit suffered heavy casualties which cost them 1/3 of the 275 men engaged. Their final major loss came at Lee's Surrender at Appomattox Courthouse in April of 1865 where 17 officers and 170 enlisted men were surrendered. under Captain Eli D. Clower.