Soldier Highlight: Lieutenant Henry Rothenberger, 48th Pennsylvania Infantry

Henry Rothenberger was born February 10th, 1844, to William and Christiann Rothenberger in Hamburg Pennsylvania. He was employed as a Brickmaker when the Civil War broke out and he enlisted as a Private in Company D of the 48th Pennsylvania Infantry. He fought throughout the war rising to the rank of 2nd Lieutenant. 

At Petersburg he was shot in the face, losing his left eye. According to his obituary it was at the hospital that he got to meet and shake the hands with President Lincoln. After he was discharged, he kept his eye in a jar at his home until the day he died. Later on in life he would become the Postmaster for Hamburg. 

Lieutenant Rothenberger pass from this world on  August 16th, 1925 and be buried in St. Johns Cemetery in Hamburg.

 The 48th Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment holds a distinguished place in the annals of the American Civil War. Comprised primarily of coal miners from Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania, the regiment was mustered into service in 1861, under the command of Colonel (then General) James Nagle

The 48th Pennsylvania Infantry was not just a military unit, but a band of brothers who stood shoulder to shoulder in the face of the nation’s greatest crisis. They fought in some of the war’s most brutal battles, including Antietam, Fredericksburg, Wilderness, Cold Harbor and Petersburg, demonstrating their bravery and commitment to the Union cause.

Perhaps the most notable contribution of the 48th  was during the Siege of Petersburg in 1864. Using their mining skills, they dug a tunnel under the Confederate lines and filled it with explosives, leading to the Battle of the Crater. This innovative tactic, although not ultimately successful in breaking the siege, showcased the ingenuity and resourcefulness of these men.

Throughout the war, the 48th  exemplified the spirit of duty and sacrifice. They endured harsh conditions, faced formidable enemies, and suffered heavy casualties. Yet, they remained undeterred, their resolve only strengthening with each challenge.

By the time the regiment was mustered out in July 1865, it had left an indelible mark on the Civil War. The legacy of the 48th Pennsylvania Infantry serves as a testament to the courage, resilience, and dedication of the men who fought for the preservation of the Union. Their story is a vital part of our nation’s history, a reminder of the cost of freedom and the enduring strength of the American spirit.