Interning Learning

This Blog Has Moved

2009-10-22T17:52:00.003-04:00

Greetings. Since I am no longer an intern at Gettysburg National Military Park and since have run out of material to share, I have decided to retire Interning Learning. However, I have a new but very similar blog to replace it. The new site is http://www.jaredfrederick.blogspot.com. I will continue my articles and essays from there. It is essentially the same site and contains all the posts from this blog, plus some more. Thank you again to all who followed this blog and made my internship a memorable one!

A Summer in Retrospect

2009-10-19T17:20:00.006-04:00

The March. Pictured left to right: Intern Rich Smith, Ranger Scott Hartwig, Ranger Glenn Knight, me (in my Berdan Green uniform), Ranger Matt Atkinson, Ranger Bob Hall, Ranger Dan Welch, Intern Kristen Campbell, and Intern Chris Brusatte. What a company!

The summer season of 2009 will be one which I will never forget. My three months living on the Gettysburg Battlefield offered new challenges and adventures every day. The events of the summer had so many positive impacts that I know I won't be able to recount them all.

I did not only learn more about the Battle of Gettysburg and American History on a daily basis, but I learned how to be a better presenter, how to more effectively interpret the history of our nation to people of all ages and backgrounds. I had firsthand access to one of the finest collections of Civil War books, records, photos, and primary resources in the country. Through this bounty of historical material, I was able to conduct further research for my programs and even discovered more about my own ancestors who fought in that war.

On one of my first days working the front desk at the visitor center, a middle-aged family man approached me at the desk. He was from New Hampshire. He told me he believed he had an ancestor who died in the battle and was buried there, but was never sure if it was anything more than family legend. "What was his name," I asked him. After he told me, I pulled out one of the mammoth record books kept behind the desks to search for the soldier's name. I found it. The man almost fell over. I then pulled out a map of the National Cemtery and showed him where his long lost ancestor was buried. The man was ecstatic. He told me he was going to rush back to his camper and tell his eighty-eight year old grandmother (confined to a wheelchair) and tell her he finally found her great, great uncle. Inside, I was equally enthused. I felt good. I made a difference to a man and his family. It was moments like that which really made the summer worthwhile.

I experienced an equally gratifying moment one July day when I was informally talking with visitors at the Copse of Trees near the Angle. A family of five told me it was their first time to the battlefield. They wanted to know all about the monuments along the stonewall. When I reached the 20th Massachusetts Monument, I told them the touching story of its origins. Atop the monument's rather short pedestal sits a massive pudding stone rock weighing several tons. It once sat in a town park where many of the soldiers in that regiment played in their youth. It came to represent the same youth lost in the great battle. "The rock was taken from a park in West Tisbury, Massachusetts," I noted. The family gave a collective gasp. "We are from West Tisbury," the father shook his head in amazement. For that family, they were able to make a connection to the Gettysburg Battlefield which may not have otherwise happened.

If there is one thing I learned over the summer, it was that the place represents different things to different people. A grown man, a first time visitor, began to openly weep in front of me and his own family after I had described what had occurred in the lush fields before us. To a child on one of the children programs I helped with came a desire to learn more, a youthful exuberance to explore and appreciate. The stories go on and on.

During the first weeks of training, Supervisory Historian Scott Hartwig led us interns and new rangers on a three mile hike from the Slyder Farm at the base of Big Round Top, up Little Round Top, up Cemetery Ridge, and back to the visitor center...all in period Civil War gear. A half dozen photos with tourists and several miles later, we feasted heartily at the visitor center that evening. Our feet were killing us, but hey, we got one good glimpse into Civil War life. That's what we were out to do.

Filmmaker Ken Burns, the illustrious James Jones, and myself.

I also had the opportunity to meet countless historians and public figures in addition to conversing with thousands of visitors. I met nationally renowned historians like Bill Frassanitto, Gabor Boritt, and Drew Faust, filmmakers Ken Burns and Ron Maxwell, and even actor James Earl Jones! Not to mention all the great people with the National Park Service, Gettysburg Foundation, and Licensed Battlefield Guides. And those are just to name a few!

I kept a daily journal of my adventures and misadventures throughout Gettysburg. And there are some very colorful stories indeed. Each visitor has a story to share. Perhaps I will write a book...

This will be my final full posting on Interning Learning, for I have finally run out of material to share from the summer. A new, but similar blog will be initiated in the coming days. Stay tuned.

My summer in Gettysburg was unforgettable. As I said earlier, it was something which cannot be fully recounted in one article. If anything, the summer gave me an even finer appreciation of Gettysburg's rich history and the incredible events which have taken place there. Thank you to all who shared an interest and passion in my spectacular summer.

Chris, Rich, and I pose for the photo of the summer. Taken at the Victorian Photo Studio in Gettysburg by Del Hilbert.

Tips for Prospective Interns

2009-10-04T16:06:00.003-04:00

I have already received many emails from fellow college students who share my love of history. Their questions are all the same: How do I get an internship at Gettysburg? Well, here are some tips which you may find of use.

I would begin by typing up a resume. Throw in everything of note you have ever achieved during and since High School. Also, get involved with local historical societies, museums, and non-profit groups in your area. The park is looking for people who have some experience in the field of history, especially young people who have given tours/presentations at other sites. For instance, I volunteered at a National Park and my county historical society. These are the best credentials you can have. I didn't include a reference letter written by a professor or anything, but it can't hurt. I did however include a reference list with names and contact info of people I previously worked with (either professional or volunteering). Also include any projects or papers you have completed regarding history. The more you include the better. Volunteer. Volunteer!

The internship itself is fantastic. You would be required to perform a number of tasks during the course of the summer. They usually include: two battle tours/presentations (usually of your choice from a list of available programs), aid with the "Join the Army" Children's Programs, education carts (hands on stuff with kids) through the museum halls, informal battlefield "roves," working the front desk, research projects, and helping rangers with other programs if needed.

Male interns live in an old brick farmhouse right near Culp's Hill and it's only a five minute walk from the visitor center. It's a very convenient location.

The internship is most definitely worth it! You will learn so much. In addition, you may get school credits for it. I got 4 History credits for mine.

I believe applications were due in late November. So, I'd get your materials in by the end of October at the very latest. The sooner you get the stuff in the better. It shows commitment on your part, and the deciders notice that. Therefore, I'd get started your resume and quickly get involved in historical groups if you aren't already.

Getting to know some rangers helps as well. Tell them why you are interested and kindly ask for some more information. This is a good way to get your foot in the door. They will take more notice of your resume because of the personal connection they already have with you. If you are in Gettysburg before that time, feel free to talk to a ranger and ask questions. Go on some programs to get a feel for what you might be doing. They'd be happy to answer your questions. Below is the information form that Education Specialist Barb Sanders sent me a year ago when I was expressing interest. Her email address can be found here.

The Summer Internship Program
Gettysburg National Military Park

Are you interested in a career with the National Park Service? Do you enjoy talking to people from across the country and around the world? Would you like to share your interest in history and help others enjoy the stories of this park? Gettysburg NMP offers internships to motivated, enthusiastic individuals who seek to share their talents and gain valuable work experience.

We want you to enjoy your internship and be successful. Interns receive up to 40 hours of formal training as well as on-the-job training as part of their internship. Training is in subjects such as, meeting/greeting the public; operating visitor facilities, organizing and presenting effective interpretive talks, interpretive techniques, and radio/safety procedures.

A typical internship in the Division of Interpretation at Gettysburg NMP consists of three things. Interns help staff the information desk at our two visitor contact facilities. This offers experience in meeting and greeting the public, providing information/orientation to the park and area, as well as an understanding of what it is visitors seek in a visit to the park. Interns are also responsible for researching, preparing and presenting two different interpretive programs, one relating to the Battle of Gettysburg, and the other dealing with the themes evoked by the National Cemetery and President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.

Internships are typically offered in the summer months when the park is busiest, but occasionally the park can provide internship opportunities in the Fall and Spring. A typical internship lasts 10-12 weeks. Interns work 40 hours each week, and weekend work can be expected. Positions are unpaid, although the park provides free housing and a cost of living stipend.

Our interns are in public contact positions and therefore are required to wear a uniform (usually khaki pants and a dark blue shirt). Currently we provide a uniform allowance to cover this cost.

To apply for an internship at Gettysburg NMP you should submit a resume and cover letter. Your resume should include your name, address, telephone number, the names of any colleges or universities attended, and a brief synopsis of your work experience. Your cover letter should address why you want an internship at Gettysburg NMP, and what you hope to gain from it.

Good luck to all you students of History out there!

Extended Preview of "The National Parks"

2009-09-23T17:45:00.002-04:00

I'm sure many of you have noticed The National Parks banner on the sidebar of this blog. I've posted a half hour preview of this new Ken Burns film. The series premieres this Sunday on PBS. Enjoy!

Retracing Pickett's Charge

2009-09-15T13:14:00.008-04:00

During the final week of my internship, I had the opportunity to join the 37th North Carolina/9th Texas Infantry in their march across the fields of Pickett's Charge. There must have been over one hundred gray-clad troops. It was extremely cool to traverse that field in a group this size. We began our procession from the North Carolina Monument after getting a wet plate photo done of the group. The ever entertaining and knowledgable Battlefild Guide Charlie Fennell led us on the march, giving us an excellent tour along the way. Once we approached the stonewall, they lowered their rifles to the "charge bayonets" stance and advanced towards hundreds of tourists who dashed out of their cars to snap photos. It was an excellent event. Thanks to the members of the 9th Texas for allowing me to attend!

Meet Tyler, one of the young and brave color bearers of the regiment.

Taking a break at the halfway point of the march. The Round Tops are in the far background.

Rebel water....

Unfurling the colors...

Tyler and I pose at the Abraham Bryan Farm. Good times!

The "Cannon Shop"

2009-09-08T12:20:00.007-04:00

During the final week of my internship, Education Specialist Barb Sanders took us interns on a behind the scenes tour of a number of park locations. They included the George Spangler Farm, the David Wills House, and the Cannon Shop. Here, a dedicated team helps restore these original Civil War cannon tubes and War Department gun carriages. It is really quite a process!

The following introduction was written by Victor Gavin, the specialist in charge on monuments preservation: "The cast iron artillery carriages at Gettysburg National Military Park were purchased by the War Department beginning about the year 1895. Procurement of the carriages was completed about 1910. These carriages have thus been exposed to the elements, vandalism, and the ravages of time for a century. By the 1990s, virtually all of the carriages were in poor condition. Because of the many coats of lead paint, and the resulting health issues, no significant rehabilitation occurred from about 1980 until 1996. In 1996, a program to restore the carriages was initiated. This was the first complete restoration of the carriages in their 100 year history. The work began on a small scale; carriage restoration was essentially a part-time effort. Federal funding, and generous support by the Friends of the National Parks at Gettysburg made a full time restoration program a reality when the Artillery Restoration Facility opened in January 1999."

Some sandblasted carriages yet to be repainted and restored.

This is why the park asks people not to climb on cannons! Most are over 100 years old and are corroding from the inside out. This is why the cannon restoration program is such an important one. Otherwise, there would be far fewer guns on the field today. This particular carriage was positioned at Hampton's Battery in the Peach Orchard.

Some freshly painted carriages. (They have that new cannon smell!) Friends of the National Parks at Gettysburg and the Gettysburg Foundation play a large part in this restoration process.

One of the crew sands down a carriage beginning the restoration process.

Joe, one of the dedicated specialists at the shop, was kind enough to show us interns around the place. The facility is always looking for interested volunteers to help them in their mission. If you are interested in volunteering and restoring some history, contact the park via the link to their website on the left. Thanks!

A Glimpse into the Archives...

2009-08-26T20:29:00.007-04:00

On one of the last days of my internship, I had the opportunity to explore a handful of the one million plus artifacts in the archives of Gettysburg National Military Park. Greg Goodell, the archivist, had a few items out on an exam table for a group that had gone through earlier that day. He was kind enough to give me the grand tour. Included is just a sampling of the many cool things I got take a close look at. Above is a Union Zouave's uniform in amazingly good condition.

A Confederate soldier painted this serene landscape scene on his canteen.

Some colorful Union hats...

This is one cool item as well. This was a camp smoking jacket used throughout the war by a South Carolina colonel. Obviously, he wasn't going to let war get in the way of his creature comforts.

And he hit the field in style, having South Carolina seal buttons for the coat. (Sorry for the poor quality of this close-up.)

And here is a Confederate winter greatcoat used in the war, a pretty rare item. In the glass case behind the coat is a small 12th Corps flag with a green star on it. Some very cool items from the park's collections. It is in the long term plans that most of these items will be rotated through the museum galleries. Special thanks to Greg Goodell for letting me take pictures and showing me around!

New Battlefield Marker

2009-08-18T15:58:00.005-04:00

On the 146th anniversary of the action at North Cavalry Field, community members and delegates from Pennsylvania Civil War Trails gathered at the annual Hunterstown Heritage Days to dedicate a new trails marker. This is a new state initiative to encourage heritage tourism throughout the state.

The marker is located on the Tate Farm in front of their noticeable yellow barn. Some people included in this photo are author Frank Meredith, photographer Jim Phelps, historian JD Petruzzi, myself, cartographer Steve Stanley, Ranger Troy Harman, Larry Clowers as Grant, Steve Alexander as Custer, Lenwood Sloan of the state's heritage tourism office, and living historians from PA's Civil War Trails.

There were many historical artists and authors attending the event, myself included. My painting of this battle is the very first to depict it. Another great day during my summer in Gettysburg.

Touring Gettysburg National Cemetery

2009-08-11T12:55:00.007-04:00

A visitor left this flower on the grave of Pvt. R. Newton Gilson.

My internship has finally come to an end. It was the summer of a lifetime. I will be sharing more thoughts on that in the coming weeks. However, I still have a tone of photos and video to share from my summer at the park. So, I will continue this blog until I run out of material to share with you!

Today's post will be discussing some history behind the Gettysburg Soldiers' National Cemetery with Ranger Eric Campbell.

In our first video, Eric describes the removal of the Gettysburg dead following the battle. A contractor was paid $1.59 per body removed from the field and relocated to the National Cemetery. Local citizen Samuel Weaver oversaw all of these reburials. His brother, Michael, supervised the removal of Gettysburg's Confederate dead ten years later.

A descendant of Pvt. Phineas L. Dunham left a photo of his ancestor on the soldier's grave.

The cemetery was designed by famed landscape architect William Saunders. Lincoln very much liked this design because all soldiers there were represented equally in a semi-circle design.

William Saunders' design was chosen at the Interstate Commission meeting in Altoona, PA (my hometown). At this meeting, several northern state delegates met to discuss the design and creation of the Soldiers' Cemetery.

The Design.

The Soldiers' National Monument was dedicated on July 1, 1869, costing some $50,000. The four sitting figures at the base represent War, History, Progress, and Plenty- a full circle. Gen. George Meade attended this dedication. Many visitors believe this to be the spot where Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address...but is it? Ranger Campbell tells us in our next video.

Here, somebody asked Eric the location at which the Gettysburg Address was given. We once again find out that historical events are not always what they seem.

Exploring the George Spangler Farm

2009-08-05T13:53:00.017-04:00

Summer is winding down and so is my time left in Gettysburg for this season. However, that's not slowing us down in our adventures. Yesterday Barb Sanders, the park's education specialist, took us interns on a field trip to various "behind the scenes" places throughout the park, most of which the public doesn't have access to. One highlight of our trip yesterday was a visit to the George Spangler Farm, the site of an 11th Corps field hospital after the battle. Just within the past year or so, this property was purchased by the Gettysburg Foundation for $2 million. It is in the long term plan to restore this property and have it become part of the park. The site is very pristine, with original fixtures and all.

According to the Gettysburg Foundation, "the 80-acre farm-bounded by Granite Schoolhouse Lane and Blacksmith Shop Road, between Taneytown Road and Baltimore Pike-is located at what was the logistical center of the Union battle line during the three-day Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863. During and after the battle, the site also served as a field hospital, treating Union and Confederate wounded alike and providing the grounds for temporary interment of deceased soldiers. It was at the George Spangler Farm that Confederate General Lewis Armistead died of the wounds he suffered at the High Water Mark on July 3. He also was buried there...

During the July 1863 Battle of Gettysburg, the George Spangler Farm was the setting for some of the most significant battle support functions that contributed to the Union victory. The farm, located at the logistical center of the Union battle line, is bounded by two local roads-Granite Schoolhouse Lane and Blacksmith Shop Road. These two were among the busiest of the local roads used to supply troops, artillery and ammunition during the three days of battle. The farm also is connected by Granite Schoolhouse Lane to two major logistical highways-Baltimore Pike and Taneytown Road. Because of these factors, the Union command selected the farm as its closest-and most important-artillery and ammunition support facility. Timely artillery support from the Spangler Farm was instrumental in helping the Union Army hold the high ground on July 2 and achieve victory July 3. Infantry support from the Union 5th and 12th Corps moved across the fields of the farm-and along the local roads that border it-in their hasty rescue of the beleaguered Union battle line on July 2.

The farm also saw service as a field hospital, both during and after the battle. Before sundown on July 1, 1863, the wounded of the Union's 11th Corps found their way to the farm, where surgeons established the division's hospital. This hospital remained in active use throughout July, treating Union and Confederate wounded and also providing the grounds for temporary internment of deceased soldiers. It was in a small outbuilding on the Spangler Farm that Confederate General Lewis Armistead died of the wounds he suffered at the High Water Mark on July 3. He also was buried on the property.

The selection of the farm as a location for the field hospital was based on the size of the buildings on the property, its relatively protected position from enemy artillery fire, its supply of well water, the large and accessible farm fields, and its promixity to Baltimore Pike (the route to Westminster's railroad transportation).

A majority of the fields, buildings and boundary lines associated with the Civil War-era George Spangler farm are intact and retain a considerable degree of integrity. Because of this integrity-and the property's significance to the outcome of the Battle of Gettysburg-the Spangler propery contributes to Gettysburg National Military Park's eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places. The farm was included in the boundary expansion associated with P.L. 101-377 (August 17, 1990), following an assessment of the property's significance and integrity."

Please keep in mind that this is private property owned by the Gettysburg Foundation and trespassing is strictly prohibited. The grounds and many of the structures are not yet safe for public visitation.

We first headed into the spring house/summer kitchen right outside the stone home. This is perhaps the most pristine part of the property. It was here where General Lewis Armistead died from his two wounds on July 5, 1863. As far as we could gather, nearly all of this structure is original to the Civil War era. The area to the left side of the building was a grape arbor in 1863. Supposedly, Armistead's body was buried in this immediate area until it was reclaimed by his family.

A small plaque guards the entraceway to the stone structure. Click to enlarge any photo.

Stepping into this place was like going back in time. So many of the fixtures in here still remain. If walls could talk...

This old fire place and brick oven are especially interesting. It is perfectly logical that this open oven was used to feed wounded soldiers here from July through August of 1863. A lone Confederate flag hangs from the ceiling in honor of Gen. Armistead.

I then headed into the house itself. This is the southern side of the house.

The downstairs of the house had gone through some moderations through the years. There was wood paneling and very old appliances in the kitchen. Up here, however, it was once again mostly original materials (minus the bright colors of paint and modern bathroom.)

These are the same wood floors that wounded men were probably resting on in the summer of 1863.

Ranger Scott Adrian and I then ventured up into the house's garret (or attic). Like many old houses, this one has a hatch in the roof (for fire safety purposes). A belt had it latched shut, so we didn't try opening it. What a view this portal could have offered 146 years ago.

The barn is a traditional Pennsylvania Bank Barn, with an earthened embankment leading up to the second floor. This structure housed scores of bleeding men immediately after the battle. Many more sought shelter here when the rains continued after the battle. One soldier wrote home that the rain water would help his wounds heal. Another soldier recalled that when food wagons arrived, the surgeons took first pick of the rations. It was rough at this place for many.

These are the original wooden planks that encompassed the barn in 1863. I really hope that all of these original fixtures remain intact as restoration continues. Over 100 Confederate prisoners were guarded in the wagon shed seen here on this side of the barn...not a very comfortable space for such a large amount of guys.

In my personal opinion, I think this would make a great satellite museum for the park. What better place could they interpret the care of the wounded in the aftermath of the battle? It could be largely furnished as it was back then and also have displays on Civil War medicine. Think of the living history opportunities possible out here. Time will tell. But nevertheless, this Gettysburg gem has been saved.

New Civil War Blog

2009-07-31T09:44:00.002-04:00

Civil War Traveler is an indispensable website for planning your own Civil War trips from Pennsylvania to the deep South. They now have a new blog where you can learn more and voice your own opinion. CivilWarTraveler.com's new feature, Civil War Travel the Blog, features travel tips and reviews from their correspondents. Jeff King's camping trips to the Tennessee/Kentucky mountains and South Carolina are chronicled currently. Blog posts are searchable by place and other topics such as camp sites and restaurants.

Join Jeff on Civil War Travel the Blog by describing your favorite or maybe not-so-favorite Civil War traveling experience -- a great site, a disappointing museum, an especially good tour, a personal discovery, etc. The site wants to create a special resource for folks who are planning trips -- a place where they can learn from the experience of those who went before. Click here to join the discussion. Happy travels!

Gen. George S. Greene with Troy Harman

2009-07-28T22:01:00.005-04:00

Greetings all. I have been very busy with research and some new programs. Most recently, I've started leading Pickett's Charge tours as part of my internship duties. It's been a great time. The park offers some twenty free programs every day through August 16, so make use of them while summer is still here!

Earlier in my internship, we got to attend a series of ranger orientation programs. One included an in-depth tour on Culp's Hill with Ranger Troy Harman. One of our first stops was the statue of Union General George Sears Greene (seen above), who could easily be considered the savior of Culp's Hill during the battle.

George Greene was born May 6, 1801 in Apponaug, Rhode Island and would live for another ninety-seven years. (Yes, he came close to living in three different centuries!) Greene eventually became a brilliant engineer, graduating as such from West Point. He went on to instruct at the Point and even taught Robert E. Lee for a time. Greene would go on to design the water systems for New York City as well as other major cities.

At the Battle of Gettysburg, next to Gen. William "Extra Billy" Smith, Greene was the oldest officer on the field at 62. His quick thinking and skill in engineering all but saved the Federal positions on the hill.

In our video, Troy Harman tells us a bit about the colorful life of General Greene, and how the position of Union troops on Culp's Hill came to be. We are standing right underneath the Greene Statue at the summit of the hill.

A map of the Confederate assault on Culp's Hill late on July 2, 1863.

This photo was taken from Rhode Island's Own, a series in early Civil War biographies. Greene probably wore something similar to this while in battle. Doesn't he look more "field ready" in this photo? After Gettysburg, Greene and many of his men were sent westward, fighting in battles such as Chattanooga. At the Battle of Wauhatchie in late October 1863, Greene was shot in the face. Greene was with William T. Sherman's army during the Confederate surrender in North Carolina in 1865.

This shows the base of the Greene Monument. After the war, Greene continued to serve as an engineer for various agencies. At ninety, Greene walked sixty miles of canal lines and water systems he had designed decades earlier to make sure all was still functioning correctly. In 1892, he applied for a government pension, but was only offered that of a lieutenant's rank. So, at age ninety-three, Greene re-enlisted as a first lieutenant and remained as such for two full days. Perhaps he was the oldest lieutenant ever?

The general had some hard fighting sons as well. Greene's son, Samuel Dana, commanded the famed ship Monitor when it fought Virginia in 1862. The youngest son served at George's side at Gettysburg.

Greene died on January 29, 1899 in New Jersey, but was buried back home in Rhode Island. The large boulder shown above his grave was taken from the slopes of Culp's Hill. One of Greene's officers wrote of his commander, "He knew how to drill, how to command, and in the hour of peril how to care for his command..."

Strong Vincent & the 83rd PA

2009-07-22T12:44:00.009-04:00

The monument to the 83rd PA Infantry on the south slope of Little Round Top was dedicated on September 12, 1889. The statue "unofficially" depicts Col. Strong Vincent, the once regimental commander and then brigade commander. Due to early battlefield regulations, the veterans of the 83rd were not really given official permission to have the likeness of Vincent on their monument. Instead, they had sculpted this "Union Soldier" to represent their fight. Hmm. Looks a bit like their commander, wouldn't you say?

It's always very cool to see how visitors honor their ancestors who fought in the battle. These flowers and note were left at the base of the 83rd PA monument. This one is left for Private Philip Grine.

Strong Vincent was 26 years old at the time of the battle. He was from Erie, PA and was a law graduate of Harvard. He had left for the war the day after he was married. Right before Gettysburg, Vincent had learned that his wife was expecting their first child. When the colonel went into battle on July 2, 1863, he was wielding not his sword, but a riding crop his wife gave him as a parting gift.

Near the summit of the hill, Vincent mounted a boulder, waving his wife's gift at the enemy and yelling, "Don't give an inch!" He was mortally wounded seconds later.

So, was Vincent wounded in this designated location? This image is courtesy of Stone Sentinels.

...Or is this the spot? We may never know. This boulder is beside the 44th NY castle on Little Round Top. This image is courtesy of the Battle of Gettysburg Resource Center and J.D. Petruzzi. You can learn more about rock carvings like these in JD's new book.

Some history of the regiment...

This is my favorite print of Strong Vincent. This one is entitled Hold the Ground at All Hazards, by Keith Rocco. Joshua Chamberlain is to the left and Lt. Holman Melcher is above Chamberlain. Vincent's brigade was summoned to the top of Little Round Top only ten minutes before the enemy assault. Vincent's initiative to move his men there ultimately saved the hill from immediate capture.

This one is entitled Don't Give an Inch! by Don Troiani. Notice the ridding crop in both paintings. Vincent was struck in the groin after yelling this to the men of the 16th Michigan, who were on the verge of breaking.

This statue of Vincent was dedicated in 1997 in front of the Erie, PA library. A fitting memorial to a local hero. Strong Vincent High School also stands in his memory in Erie. It is most appropriate that a school be named after a brave scholar such as Vincent.

Neil Armstrong at Gettysburg

2009-07-19T22:43:00.002-04:00

With Monday being the 40th anniversary of the first moon landing, I called to memory astronaut Neil Armstrong coming to speak here in Gettysburg some years ago for the annual Memorial Day Ceremonies. I was lucky enough to find a recent article recalling this event. Furthermore, I was able to locate a copy of the speech Armstrong delivered that day. You can read it in its entirety here. Gettysburg represents something special to people from all walks of life. Neil Armstrong is an American hero, and even he was humbled by what took place here in 1863. I hope you all can commemorate the historic events of 40 years ago this day.

Former astronaut delivered keynote speech at 2005 Memorial Day festivities
Hanover Evening Sun
Photo: Hanover Evening Sun

Famous moon-walker Neil Armstrong made a rare public appearance in Gettysburg in 2005 to talk, not about his space adventures, but about those who sacrificed their lives for America in the line in duty.

During a keynote speech at Gettysburg's Memorial Day festivities, Armstrong, then 74, posed a question to the large crowd assembled at Soldiers' National Cemetery: How can Americans honor the heroic souls who lie there?

"I suggest, it's by building the America they believed in, and hoped it would become, and for which they had given their lives ... a nation of which they could be proud," he said, answering his own question.

A little bit of luck brought Armstrong to Gettysburg.

Charlie Kuhn, the chairman for the Gettysburg Joint Veterans Memorial Day Commission that year, happened to mention to the 2004 keynote speaker - Adm. Thomas Hayward - about his interest in bringing Armstrong to speak.

"Who, Neil?" Hayward said to Kuhn. "I know Neil."

"Apparently they are friends," Kuhn said in 2005.

Armstrong flew in 78 combat missions over North Korea. He flew some of the nation's most experimental supersonic jets, including the now famous X-15, which he flew to the rim of space at speeds approaching 4,000 mph.

He was also the commander of the Gemini 8 mission in 1966 when he successfully completed the first docking of two vehicles in space. And, of course, he commanded the Apollo 11 craft that touched down on the moon's surface 40 years ago Monday and delivered his famous "one small step for man" line.

His speech in Gettysburg focused on the sacrifices of soldiers. Armstrong said he hoped Americans would continue to be a nation that others try to emulate, rather than castigate. He placed some of those hopes upon the veterans of wars.

"If there has been any good in war it is that the veterans have learned from their wartime experience," he said. "Their character has been tempered by the fires of battle, and they recognize the responsibility for building the America for which so many paid so much is ours."

Armstrong addresses a large crowd at the National Cemetery for Memorial Day. (GNMP)

Antietam Road Trip!

2009-07-16T20:54:00.016-04:00

In this post, we are going to take a brief break from the Battle of Gettysburg and head to another famed Civil War site about an hour's drive south: Antietam National Battlefield. Some of us former and current Gettysburg folks headed down for Thursday and had a great time. Pictured here from left to right is Ranger Chris Gwinn, Interpreter Nick Lorenz, Ranger John Hoptak, and myself. Also ran into Rangers Mannie Gentile and John Nicholas during the course of the day. A good time was had by all. Met lots of great people who interpret the battle at Sharpsburg.

We first headed to the Pry House Field Hospital and Museum, seen here in a post-war view. This site was used as Gen. George B. McClellan's headquarters on September 17, 1862 as he viewed the fighting to the west (left). It was quickly converted into a field hospital. Here, Gen. Joseph Hooker's wounded foot was personally treated by medical mastermind Jonathan Letterman. Wounded Gen. Israel Bush Richardson was also taken here after he was wounded by Confederate shrapnel. Winfield Hancock at that time assumed command of Richardson's command. Unfortunately, Richardson died in the upper right room seen here in November of 1862. Click to enlarge. Notice the small trap door near the second right chimney to the rear. Supposedly, McClellan and his staff used this hatch to watch parts of the battle. This door too is still there.

The barn next door is a witness to the battle as well. It also served as a field hospital. Chris showed us something cool here. On this foundation stone, you can see where one of the Pry Family members carved their name into the rock. The Pry's were descendants of Huguenots and at one time changed their name from Bry to Pry. This home and barn changed owners of the decades until the Park Service acquired it in 1961. Here at the barn, I met up with my good friend, Robby Burton, Education Specialist at the National Museum of Civil War Medicine. This organization operates a great museum at the Pry Farm. Robby showed us some really cool stuff as well.

Our view that history continues to prepare people for the future was reinforced during out visit. Medical staff of our modern military were visiting the Pry Farm to learn more about battlefield medicine and its applications in the modern world via those same implements first utilized at this field hospital.

In the afternoon, we joined Ranger Hoptak for a two and a half hour tour of some major parts of the battlefield. To the far left was the scene of the fierce fighting in the Miller Cornfield.

The cornfield, currently filled with Soy Beans, was utterly destroyed on September 17, 1862. Joseph Hooker noted how not one stalk of corn was left standing, and that the rows of the dead lay in perfect lines as if still in formation. By the end of the morning, the combined fighting in the North Woods ( far background), Cornfield (foreground), and the West Woods (extreme left), left over 12,000 casualties between both sides.

Attacks continued on the Confederate-held Sunken Road to the south, including a frontal assault by the famed but tattered Irish Brigade. This road was formed long before the war by wagons eroding this path in order to evade a toll charge for an adjoining road. It made for a great defensive position for Confederates. John B. Gordon commanded a segment of the troops here. Gordon was wounded five times in this road...and lived another forty years after surviving the rest of the war.

This Alexander Gardner photo was taken in the approximate location of my own photo. Antietam's aftermath was the first in history to be recorded in such a way. Over 5,000 men became casualties in the fighting over this contested road. The southern dead in the road itself were two or three deep in many places. It has been known as "Bloody Lane" ever since.

A panoramic photo I took of the Sunken Road looking north, vantage point of the approaching Federals.

In our first video, John stands up above Burnside Bridge. Here, John tells us the importance of Robert E. Lee defending the flanks of his army. This area was a key anchor to that defense.

This bridge is over 170 years old. If rock could talk. The huge tree on the rear-left side of the bridge was here during the battle.

In this video, John tells us of Ambrose Burnside's attack across the bridge and his push forward after securing the bridge and slope. During the course of our program, some young Yankees charged us from across the bridge...

The last photo of the day I took. This view looks west over the battlefield towards the western mountain ranges. Note the observation tower at left, which stands above the Sunken Road.

Special thanks to Rangers John Hoptak and Chris Gwinn for showing Nick Lorenz and I around on Thursday!

My First Magazine Article

2009-07-11T22:55:00.005-04:00

I've been working on a lot of projects lately, and many exciting things have been going on. In the most recent issue of America's Civil War magazine, my very first article was published. The story, entitled "Standing By Their Man," focuses on the Loyal War Governors' Conference of 1862. At this meeting, northern governors led by Pennsylvania Governor Andrew Curtin had to debate how to best serve President Lincoln -but they couldn't all agree how to do it. This event took place in my hometown of Altoona, PA and has long been overlooked by historians. Hopefully, my article will shed some light on this forgotten saga of Civil War History. You can find this magazine at newsstands everywhere. Hope you enjoy.

Furthermore, I have been speaking with some folks involved with the Pennsylvania Civil War Trails. It might be possible to create new wayside markers commemorating this event and have it be part of this new state trails system. More details to come as this venture progresses.

It is in my long term hopes (as well as others) that a new Civil War museum be established in Altoona to interpret the role of Central Pennsylvania in the Civil War, from State College to Gettysburg. The War Governors' Conference would be only one of the compelling stories told there. I'm always looking for people willing to share their ideas regarding this, so feel free to leave a comment or email me. Thanks!

The National Regiment at Gettysburg

2009-07-09T21:48:00.006-04:00

Just about a month ago, the National Regiment living history group encamped at Spangler's Spring here on the battlefield. It was one of the larger encampments I have personally seen at the park this season. Through mid-August, Gettysburg National Military Park hosts numerous living history groups at the park, mainly at Spangler's Spring, the Pennsylvania Memorial, and Pitzer Woods. To check out when upcoming encampments are being held, please visit the park's upcoming events page. In addition to these, the park offers over twenty free ranger programs every day! Make use of them!

The captain sternly waits for his troops to form up.

Many of us go to Gettysburg for the history, but people from all walks of life come here for different reasons. For instance, the battlefield is a great place to create artwork and take photos. I've come to learn that this place represents countless things to many people. This particular painter was depicting the National Regiment's camp on canvas. Cool, huh?

After forming into column, the men of the regiment marched out into the muddy fields surrounding Spangler's Spring to conduct some firing demonstrations for us spectators. Many folks from the recent CWPT Gettysburg conference joined us. These reenactors are firing into the field from which the 2nd Massachusetts Infantry charged the Confederates during the battle for Culp's Hill. The 2nd's commander, Col. Charles Mudge, was shot in the neck while leading his men and died here.

In this particular segment, we see the troops firing independently at their own pace, unlike firing by a volley. If you were an excellent Civil War marksman, you could fire three shots in a minute...that's with the enemy firing at you and simultaneously trying not to get shot. How many shots do you think you could fire in a minute?

Some Sunset Shots

2009-07-04T23:57:00.006-04:00

As you can well imagine, we all at the park have been incredibly busy this Fourth of July week. Tens of thousands of visitors, both novice and expert, are visiting this great place to experience the great ranger programs and historic activities taking place within the park and the town. Given the flurry of activity here, I thought I would take this opportunity to show you some photos of more serene instances I have taken. All of the following were taken at sunset near the Pennsylvania Memorial.

A view looking eastward of the 8th PA Cavalry monument. The soldier on this monument was originally holding a carbine, but it was lost to vandals many years ago. Incidentally, this is the only monument with a tree stump going up a horse's stomach. It was not originally designed as such, but they needed some way to support all that weight on the horse!

A close-up view of the 8th PA rider.

This view looks west towards the sunset. The tall monument in the foreground is one of the Vermont monuments. The figure atop of it is Gen. George Stannard, who commanded a Union brigade which helped repulse Pickett's Charge on July 3, 1863. Stannard lost an arm later in the war, and is depicted as such on the monument to represent the loss Vermonters suffered in this awful war. The large barn in the background is the Codori Farm running along the Emmitsburg Road.

This is a silhouette view of the 1st Minnesota Monument adjacent from the PA Memorial. I was able to get the moon in the background to make it appear as if the soldier is firing his weapon. From this spot, the Minnesotans waged a desperate charge into advancing Confederates. Needless to say, these guys put up one heck of a fight. Here, there monument reads:

On the afternoon of July 2, 1863 Sickles' Third Corps, having advanced from this line to the Emmitsburg Road, eight companies of the First Minnesota Regiment, numbering 262 men were sent to this place to support a battery upon Sickles repulse.
As his men were passing here in confused retreat, two Confederate brigades in pursuit were crossing the swale. To gain time to bring up the reserves & save this position, Gen Hancock in person ordered the eight companies to charge the rapidly advancing enemy.
The order was instantly repeated by Col. Wm. Colvill. And the charge as instantly made down the slope at full speed through the concentrated fire of the two brigades breaking with the bayonet the enemy's front line as it was crossing the small brook in the low ground there the remnant of the eight companies, nearly surrounded by the enemy held its entire force at bay for a considerable time & till it retired on the approach of the reserve the charge successfully accomplished its object. It saved this position & probably the battlefield. The loss of the eight companies in the charge was 215 killed & wounded. More than 83% percent. 47 men were still in line & no man missing. In self sacrificing desperate valor this charge has no parallel in any war. Among the severely wounded were Col Wm Colvill, Lt Col Chas P Adams & Maj Mark W. Downie. Among the killed Capt Joseph Periam, Capt Louis Muller & Lt Waldo Farrar. The next day the regiment participated in repelling Pickett's charge losing 17 more men killed & wounded.

Happy Fourth of July!

Battle of Hunterstown Anniversary - July 2

2009-06-29T21:18:00.004-04:00

Mark and I unveil my painting of Custer at the Hunterstown monument dedication last year. (Courtesy Frank Meredith.)

Once again, I will be attending the special anniversary ceremonies at Hunterstown (North Cavalry Field at Gettysburg just a few miles north of town). Last year, a monument was dedicated to George Custer and his Michigan Wolverines there. That same day, I had the opportunity to unveil my painting of Custer's first charge. This July 2, there will be just as many events and ceremonies as last summer. Canvas giclee prints of my painting, "I'll Lead You This Time," as well as my other books and prints, will be available for purchase. In addition, several talented artists, photographers, historians, and authors will be conducting tours and selling their wares. As you can see from the program listing below, there will be plenty to do throughout the day! Most of these events are free and open to the public!

A full listing of the events throughout the day can be found at the official Hunterstown website.

I stand beside Glenn Churchill, grandson of Norvell Churchill, the man who saved Custer's life at Hunterstown as depicted in my painting.

Another "Savior" of Little Round Top

2009-06-28T18:01:00.005-04:00

As many of you know, I sometimes scour the news and headlines for Gettysburg related material. How often can such old historical events show up in modern relevancy? Well, a lot actually. Just recently, I discovered this interesting article on Col. Patrick O'Rorke (who is mentioned in the previous post). O'Rorke was the commander of the 140th New York here at Gettysburg. The man lived a very colorful and successful life, but here, his luck ran out...

Gettysburg Hero
Patrick Henry O'Rorke
Originally printed here.

The O’Rorke family immigrated to the United States from County Cavan, Ireland when Patrick Henry “Paddy” O’Rorke was still an infant. Settling in Upstate New York, the community of Rochester became Paddy O’Rorke’s hometown throughout his formative youth. His scholarly prowess was legendary and is still recalled with fond affection by Rochester-area educators. Paddy O’Rorke left Rochester in 1857 to accept a cadetship appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. He graduated West Point in June 1861—at the top of his class. First assigned to the Army Corps of Engineers, Second Lieutenant O’Rorke showed rare skill and brilliant talent as an Army engineering officer. Paddy O”Rorke saw considerable Civil War combat during the summer of 1861 and into 1862. Serving with General McDowell’s Army, his first combat occurred during the Manassas Campaign at the Battle of Blackburn’s Ford and the First Battle of Bull Run. Confederate fire killed his horse under him while riding into battle at Bull Run. Leading up to the Battle of Gettysburg, Paddy O’Rorke was additionally recognized for gallant and meritorious service during the significant Civil War Battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville.

Colonel Patrick Henry O'Rorke was Commanding Officer of the noble 140th Infantry Regiment New York State Volunteers throughout the first half of 1863. The 140th New York became one of the best regiments in the Army of the Potomac––due largely to Colonel O’Rorke’s good discipline and training methods––military traits instilled and reinforced in the manly and good character of his Upstate New York Volunteers. Around noon on July 2, 1863, Colonel O’Rorke was leading the 140th New York to support heavy Gettysburg fighting near the Wheatfield––when he was spotted by General G. K. Warren who urgently rode to his dear friend Paddy, requesting he instruct the 140th New York to turn-aside and defend Little Round Top. Colonel O’Rorke promptly understood the critical nature of General Warren’s pleading and ordered the 140th New York to the summit of lightly protected Little Round Top “on-the-double-quick”. This intelligent, articulate and promising twenty-six-year colonel was Killed-In-Action in the early afternoon of July 2, 1863, instantly slain by a Confederate sharpshooter with a shot through the neck. He had coolly jumped-up on a rock and shouted his last order…“Down this way, boys!” Colonel O’Rorke was at the front of his 140th New York Regiment, rushing downhill off Little Round Top summit in what some have called a charge. This critical 140th New York movement backed the heavily engaged and nearly overrun Federal forces of the brave 16th Michigan Infantry Regiment––and ultimately reversed a nearly successful right flank break-through by the bold Texas 4th and 5th Regiments. A monument to Colonel O’Rorke is placed on the summit of Little Round Top where colonel fell. Some years later, members of the 140th Regiment of New York State Volunteers dedicated this monument in ceremonies to the memory of their beloved colonel.

Several written historical judgments state that Colonel Patrick Henry O’Rorke, among other leaders, were as vital to the successful Federal Army defense of Gettysburg’s Little Round Top as was the notable Colonel Joshua Chamberlain. This statement is not in any way intended to diminish the very significant contribution of Colonel Chamberlain’s 20th Maine to the Federal defense of Little Round Top. But Colonel O’Rorke died from wounds suffered in combat July 2, 1863 on Little Round Top. Obviously, Colonel O’Rorke did not have Colonel Chamberlain’s near 50-years post Gettysburg longevity to frequently write, speak, and even promote the courageous exploits of his regiment. Fighting men of the 20th Maine would have almost certainly been overrun by the tenacity and superior force of the Confederate Texas 4th and 5th troops––from the high ground flank on the Federal right––had it not been for Colonel O’Rorke and his 140th New York’s quick and direct action to fight-back and repulse the confederate advance on northwest incline of Little Round Top. Some key observers––including Major Ellis Spear––second-in-command of the 20th Maine on Little Round Top accused Colonel Chamberlain of “historical dishonesty” in his early 20th century writings. There can be no doubt that Colonel Patrick Henry O’Rorke and Colonel Joshua L. Chamberlain––among many other leaders––were each important liberators of Little Round Top. Brian A. Bennett concludes in his book The Beau Ideal of A Soldier and a Gentleman: The Life of Col. Patrick Henry O'Rorke from Ireland to Gettysburg “…the exploits of Patrick Henry O'Rorke have been overshadowed on the pages of history by the actions of others on that rocky slope.”

As the anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg approaches, please remember that righteous and honorable Civil War hero Patrick Henry O’Rorke, colonel of the courageous troops of the 140th Infantry Regiment, New York State Volunteers...men who each hailed from Rochester, New York and the Greater Monroe County.

Other references:

Brian A. Bennett, Sons of Old Monroe: A Regimental History of Patrick O'Rorke's 140th New York Volunteer Infantry

Jeremiah E. Goulka, The Grand Old Man of Maine––Selected Letters of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain

Garry E. Adelman, The Myth of Little Round Top–Gettysburg, PA

Ellis Spear, The Civil War Recollections of General Ellis Spear

Touring Gettysburg with Eric Campbell - Part II

2009-06-26T18:31:00.005-04:00

The next part of our tours with Ranger Eric Campbell takes us to Little Round Top and Cemetery Ridge. Little Round Top (which had no name at the time of the battle), ended up being the far left of the Army of the Potomac's defensive line on July 2 and 3. Here, Texans and Alabamians surged up the hill but were halted due to the quick thinking of G.K. Warren, Charles Hazlett, Stephen Weed, Patrick O'Rorke, Joshua Chamberlain, and Strong Vincent. Now, we continue our tour at the Warren Monument at the summit of the hill.

The Warren Statue is one of the older ones on the field. Visitors are forbidden to step on this rock out of respect and the need of conservation on the hill. This view looks Northwest towards Cemetery Ridge.

In this video, Eric describes to us how Robert E. Lee struggled to find the Union Army's left flank on July 2 and how he sent out scouts to locate it. The 91st PA monument is to our front left.

A view of Devil's Den from Little Round Top. Much of the fighting in this area actually took place in the Slaughter Pen to the left (south) of the den. The tree line farthest in distance is Warfield Ridge, which forms out of Seminary Ridge. South Mountain is completely hidden by the fog in the background.

We are now at "The Angle" or "High Water Mark" (no, there was no flood) on Cemetery Ridge. Here, Eric describes how Pickett's Charge (which I sometimes call the Longstreet-Hill Assault) was not Robert E. Lee's original offensive plan for that day. What would have happened had Lee gone with his original gut instinct? After all, General Meade anticipated that Lee would strike at the center of the Union line...and he did. Could Lee have broken through the flanks on the third day? It's an interesting hypothetical to ponder.

Family Roadtrips to Gettysburg

2009-06-24T12:00:00.014-04:00

Fred Weakland travellin' in style!

As an addendum to my previous post, I would like to show you some vintage photos from Gettysburg road trips within my family. Due to the recent passing of my Uncle Fred, I thought it would be most appropriate to show some of his photos as well. All of these photos were scanned from his many family photo albums, which his children were kind enough to allow us to borrow to make copies. (There are hundreds of photos ranging from the 1900s to 1980s, including Fred's WWII photos.)

The photo above shows Fred at the rear of his car in his 1931 trip to Gettysburg. The people seated in the rumbler seat are, from left to right: Emma Weakland (Fred's mom), Unknown woman, and a girl named Marian McCarty. I do not know who Marian may be, but I can only assume that the woman seated beside her is her mother. I've asked some rangers as to the whereabouts of this photo and we came to the conclusion that it is probably on East Cemetery Hill. Note the monument between the car windows. It has the cresent moon on it, the symbol of the Union 11th Corps. The high ground in the background may be Wolf Hill.

My dad and I believe these guys to be members of the Neff Family (the family of Fred's wife, Margaret (Neff) Weakland). This photo is circa 1915 and was taken in the Soldiers National Cemetery. These gentleman are seated on the grave of Union Gen. Charles Collis, commander of Collis' Zouaves. Collis was sick and absent during Gettysburg, but his men fought there and he had a great affection for the place. He had a home known as "The Red Patch (or Diamond) House," which still stands on West Confederate Avenue. The diamond was a symbol of the Union's Third Corps and is also on the general's tombstone. I believe the plaque at right to be one of the "Bivouac of the Dead" poem markers which encircle the cemetery path. Obviously, they are today in different spots.

A view from the same 1910s trip by the Neff Family. This shows the Soldiers National Monument. The shrubs and iron fence surrounding it are no longer present.

Some Neff's at the Tammany Regiment Monument near the High Water Mark of the Confederacy. Notice the iron pipe fence in the background. These types of fences were prevalent on numerous parts of the field early on.

Another Neff at the High Water Mark Memorial. The famous "Copse of Trees" are in the fenced in background. The trees are much smaller and not overgrown with brush as today. It is quite possible that some of these trees may be witness trees to the battle. The ones in this spot today are not.

Let's skip back to the 1931 trip with Fred Weakland. They are seen here in front of the Pennsylvania Memorial. I wonder if they knew that they have family members inscribed on the monument.

A view of Fred and Marian at the National Cemetery, 1931. I would estimate that this photo was taken on Memorial Day, for that is usually the only time when flags are placed on the tombstones. (Plus, look how nice they are dressed up!)

Another view of Marian McCarty. Notice how the tombstones are raised high above the ground. They are no longer like this. At some point, somebody decided to lower the stones so they were even with the ground. This would make it easier to cut the grass (good grief...) It is the park's longterm plan to return the headstones to this appearance.

Here is an image in town with Emma and a woman named Margaret McHugh (again, I have no idea who this person is). I also have no clue as to what building this might be. Any of you Gettysburg experts out there are more than welcome to leave a comment if you know the answer.

Let's fast forward again. I estimate this photo to be from about 1947. From left to right are Fred Weakland, Emma Weakland, Angelia De Severro, and Mary Alice Kettl (the latter two were family friends). Take notice how the iron fence is gone. Some park rangers I spoke with were amazed at the good, clean condition of the monument in this photo. Obviously, monuments are worn by the weather and the bronze figures stain over the decades.

Check out those dapper white shoes!

As you can see, the model of car has changed greatly from the previous trip. Fred was in the Army from 1942 to 1946, so that rules out those dates. This may have been one of his first roadtrips following WWII. The memorial in the back may be to Union sharpshooters. Pictured here is Angelia De Severro, Fred Weakland, and Mary Alice Kettl.

And our family has been having great vacations to Gettysburg ever since!

The Amazing Life of Fred Weakland (1908-2009)

2009-06-19T12:46:00.006-04:00

Last night, my family lost a beloved relative and friend. My great-great Uncle Fred, who turned 100 years of age this past September 11, passed away yesterday. Known for his colorful collection of stories he experienced over a century, he was witness to some of the most compelling moments in the history of the 20th Century. He was telling these stories with sharp clarity and witty humor literally until his dying day.

While it is impossible for me to recount his entire life story at this time, I nevertheless must share with you some of the tales he shared with me. Fred was born on September 11, 1908, and lived in the same house of his birth up until a week ago. There in Altoona, PA, he attended Catholic School and lived with his eleven brothers and sisters in the industrial railroad hotbed that was their hometown. Here, he survived yellow fever epidemics and the great 1918 Influenza Pandemic.

Fred was ten years old when World War I ended. Just a few months ago, he again recalled to me his memory of the war's end. It was November 11, 1918 in the dead of night. Fred and his family were awakened by noise across the street - neighbors yelling. Being curious boys, Fred and his brothers ventured out in the cold November evening. Quickly, they had learned that the Great War had ended! Partying in the streets ensued, with Fred and his brothers skipping up and down the street yelling, "We've caught the Kaiser!"

Last summer my dad, brother, and I were looking through Uncle Fred's photo albums ranging from the 1910s through the 1980s. In one of them, I found photos from one of their family trips in 1932 here in Gettysburg. As a family genealogist and Civil War buff, these yellowed pictures are among my favorite family photos. In these photos, Fred and his siblings posed on cannons on Hancock Avenue and in front of the PA Memorial. There was another photo that I wasn't sure about. It pictured them sitting on the benches of an unknown monument with a bust of a general atop it. Only two weeks ago did I discover what monument it was when I was touring the National Cemetery with Ranger Eric Campbell. As it turns out, it was the grave of Gen. Charles Collis. Thus, a mystery behind a family photo was solved.

Fred eventually went onto college and got a teaching job at a junior high school in his hometown. In 1942, he was drafted into the Army at age 35 (an "old" draftee indeed). Not a lover of Army Life, he was a member of the 80th "Blue Ridge" Division and trained in Tennessee and the deserts of Arizona. Later that year, he and ten thousand other troops boarded the ship Queen Mary in New York City, bound for England. Fred recalled this journey to me with both disgust and humor. "Everybody was vomiting from sea sickness," he remembered. "But not me. I learned to sway back and forth with the boat so I didn't get sick!"

I've long considered Fred to be a "Radar" O'Reilly of the 88th Division. As an adjutant attached to the division's medical detachment, he became proficient in typing, form filing, taking red tape shortcuts, and procuring supplies for the men as well as his own needs through a variety of methods. Luckily, I have a copy of Fred's company records. In this, he offers detailed description of where he was everyday, where his unit was sent to, and even the weather. I am indeed lucky to have such copies.

Fred landed on Omaha Beach, Normandy about a week after the initial invasion landings. From there, he joined the 88th in the Allied push across Europe. In this time he was witness to the Battle in the Bocage, the Battle of the Bulge, and befriended a family and their son, named Theo Mersch, in Luxembourg. Luckily for my family, Fred had a camera with him, and took dozens of photos to chronicle this historic time. Fred was among the few soldiers who liberated the Ohrdruf camp of the Buchenwald Nazi concentration camp system in Germany on April 10, 1945. He took photos of this as well. Needless to say, they are among the most grizzly photos I have ever seen. Teary eyed, Fred once admitted to me, "It is something I will never forget."

Happier times followed Fred's discharge from the Army in 1946. Shortly after the war, he married Margaret (my late aunt). They took a cross country honeymoon road trip in a Nash 1949 model automobile and drove through the National Parks. (They even had a close encounter in Yellowstone where a bear came up to their car window. Here, Aunt Margie threw out a bag of cookies so the bear would go away.) They eventually had three children. Their marriage would be one which lasted over fifty years.

I will always remember Uncle Fred for his stories; those of his childhood, the war, his teachings, and his countless traveling adventures. His wit and sharp memory remained in tact until the day of his passing. My father and I were in the midst of writing a book about Fred's life, and we were able to read the opening chapter to him at his 100th birthday last year. Although I am extremely saddened by his passing, I am also glad that I had two decades of visits and stories with him. Even though Fred won't be able to read the eventual book which will chronicle his amazing story, some of you may be able to someday. In a way, that is even more fitting. After all, he lived this amazing story. Rest in peace, Fred...

Fred and me at his 100th Birthday Party.

Touring Gettysburg with Eric Campbell

2009-06-16T21:16:00.008-04:00

In the first week of my internship during training, I had the opportunity to explore parts of the battlefield with park ranger and historian Eric Campbell and other rangers (more of which is to come). Eric was kind enough to allow me to post some video of his tours for you to view at home.

In our first of three posts, Eric discuses with us how the Union and Confederate lines took shape and points out some strategic points of the battle. He begins in video one by describing some monuments, including the North Carolina Monument in the background. He also speaks of Camp Colt of Gettysburg which Dwight Eisenhower commanded in WWI.

In video number two below, we continue at the North Carolina Monument on West Confederate Avenue. In it, Eric discuses how Union General George Meade took great advantage of Cemetery Ridge and had the luxury of waiting for a Confederate attack. Meanwhile, Robert E. Lee too was waiting for more of his troops to arrive on July 2. Finally, he stresses the high confidence the southerners were feeling at this time.

Here is a view looking down West Confederate Avenue on Seminary Ridge. The opposing rise in the foggy distance is Cemetery Ridge. Over 12,000 Confederate infantrymen marched across this field nearly a mile in distance on July 3, 1863.

Here is an older look back on the NC Monument when it was surrounded by shrubs. The monument was dedicated on July 3, 1929.

The sculptor of the North Carolina Monument was Gutzon Borglum, the man who is more famous today for creating Mount Rushmore. He also began the Confederate memorial carving on Stone Mountain, GA in 1923 but abandoned it to complete Rushmore. He also carved the equestrian statue of Gen. Philip Sheridan in Washington, D.C.

New Book Available

2009-06-14T17:58:00.004-04:00

As some of you may know, I did a series of black and white illustrations for fellow Civil War Historian John Hoptak's new book. The publication, entitled They Will Be Remembered by a Grateful People, focuses on Civil War heroes of Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania. John, a park ranger at Antietam National Battlefield, has a real passion for the vets and history of his area. Through this book, we hope that young people of that same region will grow to have an appreciation of their local history just as John does today.

Comprised of about 15 illustrations and additional text, each picture accompanies historical text written by John. Because of time constraints, John's sister was kind enough to colorize one of my black and white sketches for the cover illustration. The book will be a great and unique addition to your Civil War library and can be purchased here.

Below is another sampler taken from the book. Shown below are the Allison Brothers of Port Carbon, PA. From left to right are James, Alexander, George, and John. All four were killed in the war. Through John's book, I have been able to depict their reunion which should have been, but never was...

6th NH Encampment at Spangler's Spring

2009-06-11T16:23:00.011-04:00

Greetings. I have finally overcome my technical difficulties and now have internet access. Therefore, I can now share some updates with you on park programs as well as my own adventures in Gettysburg. We interns have been staying extremely busy preparing for our first programs within the coming week. Nevertheless, we are all having a very good and enlightening time, taking full advantage of ranger walks and historic programs.

One of these past weekends, a few of the fellow interns and myself scouted the weekend encampment taking place at the Spangler's Spring at the base of Culp's Hill on the battlefield. Throughout most weekends of the spring and summer, the park hosts living history encampments at various locations on the field. This particular weekend featured the 6th New Hampshire Volunteers. We arrived at the camp as the sun was setting, so I captured some interesting twilight camp scenes. Although we were a small group, the company played some colorful musical selections for us. These too are posted for your viewing enjoyment.

Memorial Day in Gettysburg

2009-06-05T18:31:00.013-04:00

Hi everybody. My first two weeks in Gettysburg have been going great! I would have posted sooner except for the facts that I have been really busy with training and I am still having internet problems. Nevertheless, a fellow intern is letting me use his laptop for a few things. Hopefully, my internet problems will be solved within the next week. I have about a dozen posts all ready to go! My first post covers some events from this past Memorial Day here in Gettysburg. I hope you enjoy!

I first attended a ceremony at the Lincoln Cemetery to honor the 30 United States Colored Troops buried there. It was a very emotional and lively commemoration. Their names are shown on the monument above.

This will provide you some more information on the Cemetery.

Another view of the Lincoln Cemetery.

I also attended the Memorial Day ceremony at the National Cemetery. This is one of the few times of the year you can really see all the tombstones because of the flags on them. Here, James Getty as Abe Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address. I would estimate that several thousand people attended. It was a very edifying day.

(Sorry for the wobbliness of the video.)

Hittin' the Road plus some Book Signings

2009-05-22T10:40:00.005-04:00

Yes, that time has finally arrived. I'm moving to Gettysburg tomorrow! I have most of my things packed and will be heading down in my "Burg Mobile" (shown above) in the morning. It's bound to be a busy week. I will officially start my training on Tuesday morning. I'm not sure when my next post will be since I still need to get my internet access hooked up at my new home. But fear not, I will be continuing my posts throughout the summer.

I'm also taking my large collection of Gettysburg books. (There are more on the other side of the bin too!) Good stuff, huh? My mom was making fun of me for taking such a heavy collection. I told her if she were a medical student going to do an internship at a big, prestigious hospital, would she not take her medical books for reference? I have about thirty books total (with an equal number of movies; only a fourth of which are Civil War films though...)

I will also be having two book signings at the Gettysburg Visitor Center book store this weekend. I will be signing copies of Civil War Leaders, More Civil War Leaders, and Historic Pennsylvania, all shown above from my Remembrance Day appearance. If you will be in town, please come by and say hello! I will be there on:

Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Monday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

I usually stay a bit longer than the given times. I hope to see some of you there. I've had lots of fun and learned many things since starting this blog in January. I also hope many of you will continue to visit this site as I embark on my great summer adventure. See you in Gettysburg!

The Daniel Lady Farm

2009-05-20T23:36:00.011-04:00

The Daniel Lady Farm played an important role in the three-day battle of Gettysburg. The farm was occupied by Southern forces on July 1, 1863, and served as a Confederate staging area for the remainder of the battle. In addition, the farm served as a hospital for the wounded of both sides; several burials were recorded on the property. According to the Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association, the farm was a historically noteworthy site in the battle because:

Union General Williams approached from the east, threatening the Confederate left flank. His attack exposed the vulnerability of the Confederate left flank. Ewell then assigned a division to occupy the farm as the left flank of the Army of Northern Virginia at Gettysburg.

General Edward “Allegheny” Johnson, division commander, used the stone house as his division headquarters.

The famous “Stonewall Brigade, under General Walker, Jones brigade, ‘Maryland’ Steuart’ s brigade, Nicholls’ Louisiana Brigade, and Andrew’s artillery battalion were bivouacked on the farm, north of the Hanover Road. Various Confederate staff meetings took place on the farm. Generals Ewell, Early, and Johnson planned the cannonade of Culp’s and East Cemetery Hills there on July 2^nd.

The stone house and barn were used as a Confederate field hospital. Johnson’s division listed 1269 wounded. Burials were recorded on the site.

Ewell’s “reports of Union Cavalry out the Hanover Road” were correct! The 3^rd Pennsylvania and 10^th New York Cavalry regiments battled all day July 2^nd with the Stonewall Brigade.

The Farmhouse and barn both received hits by Union Artillery from Powers Hill.

This map is by Steve Stanley and courtesy of the CWPT. It has a great overview of the action around the Daniel Lady Farm and shows its proximity to the Confederate artillery on Benner's Hill. Click to enlarge.

A front view of this very historic house. If those stones could talk!

The barn, which also served as a field hospital.

A projectile in one of the beams of the barn. There is also soldier graffiti on the walls.

The day of our visit was a cold one, so Mark decided to get warmed up at the home's original fireplace. We all wore little cloth booties over our shoes so not to harm the battle evidence on the floors...

This view is near the front entrance of the house. Let's take a look at those old floorboards. Yes...those are blood stains. The dark circles in a straight row are nails rusted by the blood of Confederate soldiers. The wounds of Henry Kyd Douglas, the “boy major” Joseph Latimer, Colonel Higginbotham, Captain William D. Brown and General John Jones were treated here.

Let's take an even closer look. A wounded Confederate soldier sat up against this wall and placed his bloody fingertips on the floor. You can still see his imprint; clear enough to make out the rings of his fingerprints. A truly striking visual reminder of the battle and aftermath.

The Daniel Lady Farm is operated by the Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association. Although it is not regularly opened for tours, appointments can often be arranged by contacting the group. This is one of the many groups working together to save the history of Adams County, PA. I encourage you to join them as a member or volunteer.

German POW Recalls Gettysburg

2009-05-18T11:36:00.004-04:00

I recently found this very interesting article in The Gettysburg Times. As many of you may know, Gettysburg was the home of a German prisoner of war camp during WWII. Author Barbara Platt has a great history of this little known camp in her book, This is Holy Ground.

Shortly after the Normandy Invasion in June 1944, forty Nazi prisoners were brought to Gettysburg to be temporarily imprisoned at the PA National Guard Armory on West Confederate Avenue (which is still there). Eventually, a larger and more secure compound was built on fifteen acres of the Codori Farm just a stone's throw away from the now demolished Home Sweet Home Motel parallel to the Emmitsburg Road. This was Camp Sharpe. Approximately 400 prisoners lived there from July to November of 1944 until it was enlarged in July 1945 to accomodate another 350 men. On the Fourth of July 1944, two men escaped but were soon captured by officials near the High Water Mark believe it or not! In January 1946, two others escaped by sneaking under the barbed wire fence encompassing the camp. They were captured four days later by the FBI on the PA/Maryland border. According to the Gettysburg Compiler on January 12, 1946:

"The two German prisoners who escaped from the Gettysburg POW camp last Thursday evening were recaptured Monday afternoon at 2:50 o'clock near Zora [PA] by prison camp guards, state police from Gettysburg and an agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Acting on a tip the authorities found the pair hidden in a straw stack adjacent to an unused barn on the property of Clayton Phillips, Emmitsburg R.1, located close to the Maryland line in the Friends' creek section. The Germans offered no resistance but apparently were "very badly scared," according to one of the officers present for the capture.

H. B. Fletcher, special agent in charge of the Philadelphia field division of the FBI, disclosed today that statements made to the FBI by the recaptured Nazis were to the effect that they had escaped because "they liked America, wanted to see more of it and hoped to reach a large city and stay in this country rather than return to Germany.'"

The prisoners at the camp were put to work in the local agricultural industry to support the war effort (though not their own). Some worked at a Heinz Factory in Chamersburg while other picked fruit in Adams and Franklin Counties. The men were paid one dollar per hour (but 90 cents of each dollar went back to the U.S. government to pay for their food and housing)! By April of 1946, all the prisoners had been relocated to another camp or returned to Germany. To my knowledge, no photos of the camp exist. However, we do have a map sketched by the commandant.

Courtesy Gettysburg National Military Park

The two prisoners found near the High Water Mark escaped via the drainage tube underneath the Emmitsburg Road. Note the guard towers and the former Home Sweet Home Motel.

And that finally takes us to the main story:

German POW seeks American Friend from the past
Published: Friday, May 15, 2009 7:20 AM EDT
By Holly Fletcher

A former German POW is asking Gettysburg Times readers for their help in locating an American friend. It has been more than 65 years since Josef Bibracher “visited” Gettysburg.

He was a 17-year-old German officer cadet from the 89th Mountain Regiment, brought over to the United States from Naples, Italy, in a very basic prisoner of war ship in 1944. He was sent first to Camp Forrest in the south and then to Gettysburg.

A German prisoner-of-war camp was located on Gettysburg battlefield land between 1944 and 1945. The prisoners were brought to Adams County to work in the fields, orchards, and canning factories to replace that part of the local labor force that was serving in the armed services. Jo’s friend, Phil Fairclough, has done several hours of one-on-one interviews with Jo as part of a book he is writing.

“I must say, Jo was a very ‘volatile’ prisoner who provoked many reactions,” he said. Jo admits that, as a soldier, he felt the need to resist and at one camp, he stole the American flag from the mess, cancelling all privileges for his fellow prisoners.

He and three other prisoners also managed to escape the Gettysburg camp, staying out for about a week before the sheriff’s department picked them up at a local farm. “We traveled at night and I remember going through an area full of Civil War statues, which looked quite frightening in the gloom,” he recalled.

While he and his comrades were here, they worked at the Heinz Factory in Chambersburg. Now in his 80s and living in rural England with his wife Maureen, Jo said he has fond memories of the American family he met here.

“For the first time in my life I felt I was accepted as an ordinary human being, by them and their little girl. I am old now, but often think back to the kindness I received from them,” he wrote.

He sent a photograph to the newspaper and is asking readers for their help in locating the girl. He does not recall her name, or her address, but said she would be about 70 years old now. Her father was an employee at the factory where Jo worked.

“I wonder if she still lives in your area. I would be very pleased if she was there and wanted to correspond,” he said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Josef Bibracher, either by mail: Chameleon, Mossey Green, Ketley Bank, Telford, TF2 0DL, Shropshire, England, or by phone: 01952 610952.

So, that begs the question; is Mr. Bibracher one of the four men who escaped the camp from the scenarios given above, or a whole other event altogether which had previously been lost to history? A fascinating instance in Gettysburg's rich history.

This photo was taken between 1944 and 1945 and is of an unidentified girl whom Josef Bibracher met during the period that he was held at the prisoner of war camp on Gettysburg battlefield. Bibracher is seeking help from the Times readers. He would like any information that might help put him in touch with the unknown girl or her family. Bibracher and the young lady’s family formed a friendship during World War II. Photos courtesy of Josef Bibracher

The Legend of "Blind Davey"

2009-05-15T14:37:00.005-04:00

Tourism for Gettysburg began literally just days after the great battle had ended in July 1863. Locals took this opportunity to make some money in compensation for their strife. Thousands flocked to the previously unknown town and the Devil's Den area quickly became one of the major hubs of the new tourist trade.

At one point, there was an amusement park, dance hall, pavilion, wells, snack stands, small relic museums, souvenirs, and yes, a casino, in the Devil's Den/Little Round Top area. These largely jump started in 1884 upon the completion of the Gettysburg & Harrisburg Railway (which destroyed many sections of the battlefield).

The geologic anomaly of Devil's Den attracted many, thus it became a hot spot for photographers to work their trade. The small stand shown above was first used by the Mumper Family, who used it as a photographic studio. It was later used by famed battlefield photographer William Tipton as his place of business. Finally, it was eventually moved to a spot adjacent to Warren Avenue in front of Little Round Top. (It was located in the general area of the modern restrooms between the hill and the den.)

Here, it became "Blind Davey's Souvenir Stand." David M. Weikert became "Blind Davey" when injured in an explosives accident as a worker on the Gettysburg Railroad. However, his story was not marketed as such. Rather than telling the true story of his blinding, it was said that Davey lost his sight after striking an unseen unexploded artillery shell with his farming plow. Because citizens and local officials felt badly for the man, he was permitted to operate his souvenir and snack stand on prime battlefield real estate with tons of tourist traffic.

Davey was sometimes photographed at his shop with his dog and a gun. (Perhaps the dog aimed the weapon for him.) Needless to say, Mr. Weikert could be considered one of Gettysburg's most colorful entrepreneurs...and there have been many!

To learn more about "Blind Davey," check out Devil's Den: A History and Guide by Garry Adelman and Tim Smith. Also, to find out more about rock carvings and unique sights in the Devil's Den area, I encourage you to get the very new book The Complete Gettysburg Guide by JD Petruzzi and Steve Stanley. There is a lot of good buzz about this upcoming work.

Eight days until the big move to Gettysburg. Can't wait!

Gettysburg Campaign's Fort Couch

2009-05-13T17:13:00.016-04:00

Today, we shall go beyond the town of Gettysburg and explore a Gettysburg Campaign site right across the river from the Pennsylvania capitol of Harrisburg: Fort Couch. This "small outpost was built in June 1863 to oppose an expected attack on Harrisburg by Confederate troops. This site was then known as Hummel's Heights. Fort Couch, named for Union General Darius N. Couch, received an historical marker in 1953.

When nearby Fort Washington was occupied, it became evident that this higher ground one-half mile to the west, if captured, would make Fort Washington undefendable. The earthworks visible here are the remains of Fort Couch, built in June 1863 as an advance position to ensure the defense of the larger fort to the east. Most of the construction of Fort Couch was done by railroad crews, many of whom were African-Americans. Artillery pieces were mounted on wooden platforms behind the earthworks. Fort Couch is the only public site that preserves part of the once extensive defenses of Harrisburg. A Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission historical marker and a monument erected by the Camp Curtin Historical Society commemorate the fort."

This monument has detailed maps, sketches, and summaries of the events surrounding it. Thus, captions on my part are not necessary. The folks of the Camp Curtin Historical Society have done a great job with this monument and maintaining the site. (Click any picture to enlarge to read text.)

Colonel Norman Hall

2009-05-10T14:32:00.004-04:00

As many of you may know, I am always scouring the news for articles on Gettysburg. No event in all of history is recorded in news articles so long after the fact as often as the Battle of Gettysburg is. The whole thing is an interesting phenomenon. The event symbolizes so many historical, cultural, political, and education traits of our society to this very day. Today in my findings, I found an interesting write-up on Col. Norman Hall of the 7th Michigan Infantry from the Monroe News. I thought I would share it with you.

Monroe County [Michigan] may not know Col. Norman Hall, but if local museum officials have their way, they will over the next couple of years.
Col. Hall was a Monroe County native who was the only Michigan resident present at the bombing of Fort Sumter, which began the Civil War. And during the famous Pickett's Charge on the third day of the Battle of Gettysburg, it was Col. Hall's third brigade, which included the 7th Michigan Infantry, that held the Union center, halting the charge and leading to the Union victory.
Those Civil War historical details are part of what Dave Ingall of the Monroe County Historical Museum plans to discuss at Thursday's Civil War Roundtable at Ellis Reference & Information Center. The talk will begin at 7 p.m.
"Hall has a very unique story," Mr. Ingall said. "He just has been forgotten."
Monroe County's history when comes to the Civil War is unique, as well, and Mr. Ingall and others are making sure that history isn't forgotten. The discussion and slide show, which is expected to last a little more than an hour, include statistics from the Civil War, a look at the regiments that trained here, individual soldiers who participated, medal of honor winners, local and national Civil War monuments related to Monroe soldiers and county natives who are buried here and in other cemeteries.
Museum officials are pushing the Civil War period now and hoping it becomes more recognized in years to come. The sesquicentennial of the war will be from 2011-15. Plans are being discussed for a Civil War monument to be erected at Soldiers and Sailors Park in Monroe, and Mr. Ingall said Monroe's great Civil War history is worth celebrating.
"We have a huge military history, dating back to the Battle of the River Raisin," Mr. Ingall said. "The town has a great military history. We have always had large participation in wars. Even the Mexican War (1844-45), we had quite a few." Mr. Ingall said the Civil War particularly hit Monroe County hard. When Fort Sumter was fired upon, "there was a huge uproar," he said.
More than 2,250 county men served in the war, about 10 percent of the county's population, and about 430 died. The numbers fluctuate from time to time as new information becomes available. Local military historian Dave Eby has assisted Mr. Ingall with the statistics.
There are countless stories about Monroe County men who served in the Civil War, and Mr. Ingall will relate some of those stories during his discussion. County men fought in every Michigan regiment and some of them trained in Monroe. The slides he will show feature area natives and their gravestones, as well as monuments from across the country.
"Michigan has monuments and plaques at many Civil War battlefields where they served," he said. Gen. George Armstrong Custer will be part of the talk, as will others, like Col. Hall.
Col. Hall grew up on a farm near Dixon and S. Custer Rds. and attended Papermill School, a one-room schoolhouse. He was nominated to West Point by Congressman David Noble and the order was signed by Jefferson Davis, who later would become president of the Confederacy. He was at West Point at the same time as Gen. Custer. There is evidence that the two knew each other because a letter exists in which Gen. Custer mentions Col. Hall by name.
The two also were instrumental on the third day of Gettysburg, perhaps the most important battle of the Civil War. "We would like to put up a statue of Col. Hall," Mr. Ingall said. "He was a hero at Gettysburg."
Gen. Custer's Michigan Calvary Brigaide defeated Jeb Stuart's troops on one side of the battlefield. Meanwhile, Col. Hall was leading his brigade on the other
side during the famous Pickett's Charge.
"The brigade, led by Norman Hall, were the one's who repulsed them," Mr. Ingall said. "His was the final brigade that stopped Pickett's Charge ... and closed the gap in the Union line that shut Pickett's Confederates completely down.
"I'm not saying they saved the Union," Mr. Ingall continued, "but they played a huge role. . … If either one failed, the Union Army could have lost. That's amazing that two men from Monroe were that highly influential in the outcome." Col. Hall's history may have been forgotten because at the beginning of the war he contracted a disease and died soon after the war at 30.
He's buried at West Point, about 30 yards from Gen. Custer. He is depicted in the renovated Cylcorama at Gettysburg today, and one of his battle flags, the 7th Michigan Infantry, is on display at the Monroe County Historical Museum.

Penn State Altoona Encampment

2009-05-07T13:53:00.011-04:00

Free at last, free at last! Summer has finally arrived and this extremely slow and busy semester has reached an end. In reflection, I thought I would share some photos from Penn State Altoona's (my school) 2nd annual Living History Encampment. This event is hosted by the campus' History Society (of which I am president) every April. This year, we welcomed the 110th Pennsylvania Volunteers, an original regiment from our area. We even had one or two WWII reenactors camp out too. Several hundred students attended demonstrations and talks all day. It was a truly great event!

Meet Captain Michael Gherrity, commander of Company A, 110th PA Volunteers. He broke out his new tent just for us.

The encampment included a small printing press and 1860s political/recruitment brochures. Students and passersby were welcome to take some.

Students check out the telegraph station. Pay no attention to that crazy guy in the red shirt! (He's one of my friends and a dedicated member of the History Society.)

Many students were shocked by the primitive nature of Civil War medicine as seen at the Surgeon's tent.

As you can see, we had a constant crowd of students for most of the day. You will notice in the foreground our accurate 1860s lunch - Little Caesar's Pizza...

John Michael, one of my good friends, checks out the Signal Corps exhibit.

Captain Gherrity had a display table with a number of artifacts including weapons, camp equipment, newspapers, and more. Here, he explains how the Minie Ball and rifle worked more efficiently than prior weapons.

They even did some Signal Corps demonstrations with their flags.

Here are fourteen of our over 160 members of the History Society. There are also some great History professors here with their kids. This was from our April 12 trip to Gettysburg. We are at the Amos Humiston monument. One of the many public services our group does is to travel to Gettysburg each semester and aid the Park Service in their Landscape Restoration program. This semester, we removed brush and small trees in the Devil's Den area. That too was a fun day. We'll be at work once again next semester...but let's enjoy a long summer first!

That Time of Year Again...

2009-05-01T23:39:00.002-04:00

Finals...ugh. Yes, it is the first week of May once again, which means there are many long hours of desk light studies, practice preparation, and little sleep ahead. I have three written tests and then a college algebra exam on my final day. It will be the last math class I ever have to take! Hallelujah. Needless to say, I probably won't be blogging anytime before Thursday, for I will have my face in the books. This week will be followed by mass jubilation. Wish me luck!

Four weeks until the move to Gettysburg!

The National Cemetery

2009-04-28T11:31:00.004-04:00

Today, I thought I would add another installment to the Civil War Life film series via YouTube. This one focuses on human interest stories regarding the Gettysburg National Cemetery. The short film segment is narrated by actor Keith Carradine and is quite interesting.

One a more unfortunate note, there has been a hit and run case at the National Cemetery. Hopefully, the culprit(s) responsible will be apprehended and brought to justice. Sadly, I doubt they will catch these criminals or the ones who vandalized the Peace Light Memorial. Either way, we can be sure the Park Service will refurbish these historical monuments.

Gettysburg National Military Park News Release:
For Release: April 27, 2009
Contact: Katie Lawhon
Phone: 717/ 334-1124 x 3121

Hit-and-run Damages Historic Cemetery Gate at Gettysburg

Park Rangers at Gettysburg National Military Park are asking the public for information about a hit-and-run accident that damaged the gate to the Soldiers’ National Cemetery on Baltimore Street late on the night of April 25 - 26, 2009.

Law Enforcement Rangers believe a car - possibly yellow in color - drove into the gate, damaging it and then drove away from the scene. They recovered part of a license plate holder at the scene that says “I’d rather be shopping.” The vehicle may show damage to the front end.

The damaged gate was on the left side of the Baltimore Street entrance to the Cemetery and has been temporarily removed for repairs. The historic iron fence gate is from the late 1930s. Repair costs are estimated at $2500. Anyone with information is asked to call 717/ 334-0909.

The Soldiers’ National Cemetery is the burial site for more than 3,500 Union soldiers killed at Gettysburg in July 1863. President Abraham Lincoln dedicated the cemetery on November 19, 1863, with his immortal Gettysburg Address. The cemetery is the final resting place for veterans from the Civil War to the Vietnam War and is maintained by Gettysburg National Military Park.

One Month to go!

2009-04-26T19:43:00.003-04:00

One month from today will be my first "official" day as an intern at Gettysburg National Military Park. Just this past Friday, I received my uniform and straw hat for the job. I still have to get the volunteer patches sewn onto them. And yes, the packing has already begun - everything from toothpaste to extension cords. My biggest dilemma is what to do with my vast collection of Gettysburg books (about 40) I was planning on taking with me. It would be nice if there were shelves at the place but I really have no idea about my upcoming summer home other than its outdoor appearance, so we will see. There will be four other guys living there with me (we three from Gettysburg NMP and two from the Eisenhower Farm). The lady interns reside at another location on the other side of town. I'm really looking forward to meeting all the fellow interns in the coming weeks. I think I'll be working alongside many talented students. Another special event of interest will be the Seasonal Luncheon at the Eisenhower Farm. At this event, we seasonal guides get to meet many of the park employees. I know a few already, but I am very much looking forward to meeting some more.

In a sligtly related topic, I saw that visitor attendance to the Gettysburg area rose to 3 million this year. At the same time, park visitation dropped to 1.5 million. Quite a paradox, isn't it?

Gettysburg Visitation up in 2008
By Erin James
The Evening Sun

The economy didn't scare visitors away from Gettysburg last year after all. But they did end up spending a little less than the year before. According to a study released Wednesday by the Gettysburg Convention and Visitors Bureau, more than 3 million people visited the tourist town in 2008. That's a slight increase from the 2.9 million visitors in 2007 - the first year California University of Pennsylvania's Tourism Research Center conducted the study.

"The numbers weren't surprising to us," bureau spokesman Carl Whitehill said. "But we're very happy that we grew a little bit last year, given the state of the economy." Hotel occupancy rates were up 8.3 percent in 2008, despite concerns that high gas prices and a struggling economy would deter people from visiting Gettysburg, Whitehill said.

While the economy may not have kept people away, it could account for why an average visitor spent $10 less in 2008 than they did in 2007. Visitors spent an average of $288.52 during their trip in 2008. Because the visitors were still in town, Whitehill said, Gettysburg restaurants and hotels fared well last year. But "a lot of people spent less on souvenirs," he said.

Also significant in the study was a finding that nearly 7 percent more visitors turned a single-night stay in the Gettysburg area into a multiple-night stay. That's key for the visitors bureau, which has been working to change Gettysburg's perceived status as a "drive-by destination," Whitehill said.

"We were able to convert a lot of day trippers and one-night stays into multi-night stays," he said. At the same time, however, the number of day trips and one-night stays decreased. Tourism is Adams County's top industry and brings in more than $332 million annually, according to the visitors bureau.

The California University of Pennsylvania study was conducted by surveyors who asked Gettysburg tourists questions about their stay. Those answers were compiled and account for most of the data. Before the study was first conducted in 2007, the Gettysburg Convention and Visitors Bureau had no way of tracking annual visitation rates.

Civil War (and some other) History in Washington

2009-04-23T23:41:00.008-04:00

On April 4, I went on a school field trip sponsored by the Penn State Altoona History Society (of which I am president) to our nation's capitol. It was a beautiful day and we were there during the Cherry Blossom Festival. Throughout the day, I visited the Abraham Lincoln exhibition, "With Malice Toward None" at the Library of Congress, the newly remodeled National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian, and also the new reception gallery at Ford's Theater. (The theater was closed because the musical The Civil War was playing and the museum downstairs was still under renovation.) It is a curse that follows me on every historical trip I make - something is always closed due to renovation. Oh well, I still had a great time! The following photos are mostly Civil War related, but there is some other cool stuff too. Enjoy!

Detail on U.S. Grant Memorial on Captiol Hill. (I told the people climbing on this to get off of it because it was disrespectful! See, that's the inner park employee in me for this summer!)

Abe Lincoln's Hat at the Smithsonian's Lincoln Bicentennial exhibit. I'm surprised they let me take photos of all this cool stuff in such a museum environment!

Closeup of Lincoln's pocketwatch.

Abe's and Mary Todd's clothes.

Since Dwight Eisenhower is one of my favorite presidents and he lived in Gettysburg, I thought I'd take a photo of his Army uniform. This is in the Smithsonian's permanent exhibit, "The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden."

Here was a pretty cool artifact. This is one of the file cabinets from the Watergate break-in. So tricky...

Here is an especially unique item I thought. At first, it looks like a regular Civil War sword...

...But upon closer inspection, one can see that it is the sword Col. Strong Vincent had when mortally wounded at Gettysburg on July 2, 1863.

Soldier James H. Stetson died with this New Testament at Gettysburg.

George Washington's Revolutionary War uniform.

Cavalier John S. Mosby's acoutrements.

The surrender table and chairs from Appomattox.

The coat Lincoln was wearing when he was shot. This was in the lobby of Ford's Theater. Notice the tears on the inside from when doctors tore his clothes off. This isn't on display most of the time, so I was really lucky to get a shot this good in such a dark environment.

And such were my adventures in Washington!

History Meets the Arts in Gettysburg

2009-04-20T21:16:00.012-04:00

This past weekend, the family and I had a great time at History Meets the Arts in Gettysburg. Dozens of artists and historians gather there every April for a festival of creativity and history. It's one of the town's best kept secrets. Friday night, my brother and I attended a reception with Civil War artist Keith Rocco at the Brafferton Inn. What a nice guy! He was very down to earth and happy to speak with anybody who approached him. I had the pleasure to talk art technique with him, using some of his original paintings to make his points. I then told him I was to be an intern at Gettysburg that summer and we spoke some on that matter as well. He even invited me to lunch sometime over the summer so we could "talk shop." How cool is that? While I was there, I ran into my good friend and fellow Gettysburg buff, Stan O'Donnell. It was a great evening. (By the way, the owner of the inn makes some mean brownies!)

Hanging with Keith Rocco at the Brafferton Inn.

The original painting behind us is "Hell for Glory." I really like this one.

The next morning, we attended the 2nd Annual Mort Kunstler Collectors' Seminar at the MKunstler Gallery and Gettysburg Hotel. Mort was on hand to answer questions and was interviewed by the gallery owner. He even unveiled his newest painting - yes, the original one, to everybody in attendance. Coolest of all, he did a sketch while he has there! The sketch was raffled, but of course I didn't win it! Oh well, there is always next year.

Kunstler is interviewed by gallery owner Cliff Springer. I was surprised to hear that Kunstler thought his most important paintings were not his Civil War ones, but a series he did for NASA of the Shuttle Columbia.

Then he unveiled his newest painting: "Rush to the Summit." It depicts Chamberlain and the 20th Maine racing to the peak of Little Round Top right before the Confederates arrived.

Very nice! This was off to the printer's today to be produced into prints.

Mort then drew us a charcoal sketch of Stonewall Jackson.
I have made it available for your viewing pleasure!

He told us he wasn't used to drawing at a vertical angle...and in front of a big crowd. "Being an artist is a lonely business," he said.

The final product. He did this in like five minutes!
Some lucky dog in attendance got to take this home framed...but not us.

Nevertheless, it was a fun and enlightening weekend! Here is Mark and I with the artist. He's a very nice guy and very willing to give some young artists good advice.

Artifacts Uncovered at Spangler Farm

2009-04-19T12:35:00.004-04:00

Hi everybody. I'm back from Gettysburg and had a great time at History Meets the Arts. I met some great artists and learned a lot. I will have photos to show you within a day or so. Until then, I thought I would follow up with an on the George Spangler Farm article from Tuesday. Apparently, much progress was made at the site.

By ERIN JAMES
The Evening Sun
Posted: 04/18/2009 10:51:26 PM EDT

Propped up against the skull of what probably was once an animal, a child's rusted toy truck sits covered in mud at the bottom of a cardboard box. Soon, the box's contents grow to include several glass Gum Turpentine bottles, a busted butter dish, ink wells and what's left of a mechanical clock. "When they say this stuff never goes away, they are not kidding," Paul Mason says as he dumps yet another glass Clorox bottle into the box.

Then, Mason resumes digging in the same spot which he and others concluded must have once served as the Spangler Farm's dumping ground. They might not be Civil War artifacts, but the random household items that date back a number of decades still are a pretty cool find, the group decides.
Not everyone who volunteered Friday for the clean-up project was lucky enough to retrieve something that had for years been buried in the ground. Most of the 300 volunteers spent the morning and afternoon simply clearing decades worth of brush and tree growth from parts of the 80-acre property.
But conversations across the farm always seemed to steer back to what someone found over here or over there. Once a hospital for wounded Union and Confederate troops during the Battle of Gettysburg, the Spangler Farm was in private hands until last year when the nonprofit Gettysburg Foundation bought it for $1.9 million.
Some historians believe Confederate Brig. Gen. Lewis A. Armistead died there in a small outbuilding known as the summer kitchen. A farmhouse and barn, both of which date to the time of the battle, also are on the property.
The farm remained largely untouched until Friday, when tourism professionals from across the country there for the annual Tourism Cares project, hosted this year by the Gettysburg Foundation at the Spangler Farm. Since its start in 2003, Tourism Cares has restored historic sites throughout the country.
Courtney Farfaglia and Julie Dorsey said they got a little more than they bargained for when the two Niagara University students were clearing brush and piles of old floorboards behind one of the property's non-historic buildings.
At the bottom of a pile was a door, built into the ground, that no one anticipated would be there. "It would be cool if it was a trap door for slaves or something," Dorsey said. It also might be a well, a storm-cellar door or something else. But it has the potential to be historically significant, said Gettysburg Foundation spokeswoman Dru Neil.
"We don't know what it is," she said. "We want to get the (Gettysburg National Military) Park in soon and help us determine what that is." The same goes for the other objects volunteers found on Friday, Neil said. "Anything we found, we're reporting."
As for the numerous bones found all over the property, Neil said they too would be examined. "Chances are they're animal bones," she said. "But we'll double-check just to be sure."
For the volunteers, a significant part of the workday was spent clearing brush from around the property's hundreds of trees. Now, professionals will be able to cut down the trees that weren't there in 1863. That's because the Foundation's ultimate goal is to restore the farm to its appearance at the time of the battle and open it to visitors for educational programs, Neil said. But there's a lot that remains to be done before then - even after Friday's clean up. A tree line bordering part of the property needs to be removed. The structural integrity of the barn also needs to be examined, Neil said.

"This is step one," she said. "What we really want to do is get visitors out here."
In the last year, Neil said, park historians have had a chance to examine the property, identify areas of historical significance and pinpoint trees that need to be removed. That research provided the guidelines for Friday's project, Neil said. "We would have never started this without guidance," she said.
Aside from general cleaning, Neil said volunteers mostly stayed away from the barn, summer kitchen and house. Eventually, the park will conduct historic structure reports on the buildings. "We don't want to take anything down that might be historic," Neil said.

On Friday, 300 volunteers from across the country worked to clean up the historic George Spangler Farm in Gettysburg. During the work, some found items like those shown here. Objects included glass bottles, toy trucks, dishes, inkwells and many animal bones. Gettysburg Foundation spokeswoman Dru Neil said each item found will be examined by an expert to determine whether it has any historical significance. (Evening Sun Photo by Shane Dunlap.)

A Look into the Past

2009-04-16T21:01:00.006-04:00

This past July 3, there was an unprecedented reenactment in the actual streets of Gettysburg. It depicted the June 26, 1863 Confederate entrance into the town, several days before the big battle. Here, the scavenged for food, supplies, delicacies, (and yes, even shoes). Gen. Jubal Early, who Lee referred as "my bad old man," wanted "1,200 pounds of sugar, 600 pounds of coffee, 60 barrels of flour, 1,000 pounds of salt, 7,000 pounds of bacon, 10 barrels of whiskey, 10 barrels of onions, 1,000 pairs of shoes and 500 hats - or, $5,000 in cash." I attended this event with my good friends, Stan O'Donnell and his wife. There were over 1,000 Confederate reenactors in this event. The above photo shows infantrymen lined up in front of the Adams County Court House, making their demands known to the townspeople. The thing I like about these photos is that there are no modern intrusions for the most part. It's like you're really there.

The town elders await the demands of the invaders. This event was kind of unique because the modern mayor of Gettysburg portrayed the mayor of 1863 and the modern sheriff portrayed John Burns, a one time constable of the town. (However, I'm pretty sure the real John Burn was not present at such an event.) In response to the rebel demands, one said "We will open our shops and ask our citizens to give what they can."

It looks like Robert E. Lee was here too, although Lee was nowhere near Gettysburg on June 26. Oh well, I suppose some events need a major character to star in them. Or perhaps this gentleman was portraying Jubal Early? Looks like John Brown Gordon beside him, which would make sense. The building in the background is the Fahnestock Building on Baltimore Street, an observation point for Union General Oliver Otis Howard on July 1, 1863 and site of the U.S. Christian Commission in the battle's aftermath.

George Spangler Farm Restoration

2009-04-14T13:19:00.004-04:00

CANTON, MA - In recognition of the Tourism Cares for Gettysburg restoration project at the George Spangler Farm, Gettysburg’s Mayor William E. Troxell has proclaimed April 17, 2009 as Tourism Cares Day. Tourism Cares will bring together nearly 300 tourism industry volunteers that day to kick off the restoration of the historic farm, a Civil War field hospital just outside the battlefield boundary lines.

“Tourism Cares is proud to be recognized for its efforts in beginning this historic restoration and preserving Spangler Farm for future generations of travelers,” said Bruce Beckham, executive director of Tourism Cares. “What happened in Gettysburg in July of 1863 changed the course of our nation’s history. Our work here is important not only to Americans but to those who visit from around the world. The more that is preserved, the more authentic the experience.”

The George Spangler Farm was recently purchased by the Gettysburg Foundation to protect the historically-significant site from private development. The 80-acre farm is located at what was the logistical center of the Union battlefield during the three-day Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863. During and after the battle, Spangler Farm served as a field hospital for both Confederate and Union soldiers. Until last year, the site was privately owned and is in need of considerable restoration to bring it back to the authenticity of the farm. Volunteers will restore original buildings, demolish modern structures, landscape, clean up, and much more. The restoration of the property will further the Gettysburg Foundation’s campaign to preserve Gettysburg and give visitors a sense of how the town actually appeared in 1863. The site was the field hospital to the Union 11th Corps. Confederate General Lewis Armistead died in the farm's summerhouse on July 5, 1863. Union General Francis Barlow was also cared for there.

Modern-day technology will be playing its part during the historic restoration as well. Volunteers with 3G cell phones will be able to transmit captioned photos from their phones to a special live web site so that their friends and colleagues around the world will be able to witness the project as it’s taking place. The photos will be available at www.photovision.com/tourismcares on April 17 after 11:00 am.

Tourism Cares is a 501c(3) non-profit public charity that benefits society by preserving the travel experience for future generations by awarding grants to natural, cultural, and historic sites worldwide; by presenting academic and service-learning scholarships to students of hospitality and tourism; and by organizing volunteer efforts to restore tourism-related sites in need of care and rejuvenation. For additional information about Tourism Cares, visit www.tourismcares.org .

New Gettysburg Video

2009-04-12T16:02:00.003-04:00

Happy Easter everybody! My fourteen year old brother has created yet another fine little YouTube movie regarding the Civil War. This particular one is a brief film on the Gettysburg Address with photos, facts, music, and narration by actor Jeff Daniels. He spent a lot of time on this little video, so I hope you enjoy it. This week will be a busy one, but I will try to keep up on my blog entries. Only about three weeks left until summer!

Forgotten Gettysburg Campaign Trenches

2009-04-07T19:16:00.010-04:00

Gettysburg Campaign Entrenchments outside Everett in Bedford County, PA

One unique story in my area concerns long forgotten Civil War entrenchments near Bedford and Everett, PA. My dad had heard of their location and we found them together. I got most of my information from an old book entitled The Minute Men of Pennsylvania and the website Mother Bedford. These entrenchments were constructed out of fear that Confederates would invade Bedford County, PA (some did). It was expected that Lee and his forces would attempt to capture the major Pennsylvania Railroad hub in Altoona. It is said by some that Lee was considering to take Altoona if he could press on after capturing Harrisburg. Gettysburg prevented all of this.

"In early June of 1863 the Army of Northern Virginia was pushing northward. The people of this region became quite alarmed. Confederate Cavalry was claimed to have been sighted in the Morrison's Cove area. On June 14, 1863 citizens decided it was time to organize a militia troop for their own defense. The troop that was formed over the next few days was neither accepted by nor mustered into the regular state or federal armed forces. Therefore it was not given an official designation. Initially, it took the name of the Pennsylvania Emergency Militia.

The Pennsylvania Emergency Militia was led by Colonel Jacob Higgins," a former member of the 1st PA Cavalry. The colonel also had commanded the 125th PA Infantry at Antietam less than one year before. He was on leave from the army at this time due to illness, but agreed to take command of the militia. In addition, he was from my hometown of Altoona. "By the end of the week his troop had come to consist of three battalions of infantry raised primarily in Blair County, PA. One battalion had been sent from nearby Johnstown in Cambria County.

Col. Jacob Higgins in his cavalry garb. Courtesy the Bedford Historical Society.

The McKee Gap (or Snake's Spring Gap) was chosen as the most strategic point to fortify and defend; it afforded the most easily accessible route of ingress to the Altoona region. It would also be the most easily defended position because of its natural shape and size. On June 23, Col. Higgins and his Pennsylvania Emergency Militia took possession of the McKee Gap and began to fortify the site. Entrenchments were dug into the hillside and obstructions were placed in the road that passed through the gap. Legend has it that wooden and stone platforms were constructed along the hillside and on the summits of Dunnings and Short Mountains on which artillery was placed. There exists no records to either confirm or deny the claim that any cannon were available to the troops. Four to six pieces of artillery were requested from the regular army, but they were never delivered.

On June 24, a detachment was ordered south to the Loys Gap to fortify that pass also. On the 25^th the force was further depleted by the removal of a detachment to fortify passes in the region of St. Clairsville. Then, on the 26^th of June, Col. Higgins marched the remaining troops to the Sideling Hill region southeast of the town of Bedford.

On the 1^st of July, 1863, as Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia met Meade’s Army of the Potomac in the Battle of Gettysburg, the Pennsylvania Emergency Militia was asked to be mustered into the regular army for a tour of duty of at least six months. The majority of the men would not agree to that and so the troop was disbanded and the men returned to their homes.

Because the militia had not been properly equipped, they had taken to stealing chickens and cattle from the neighboring farms, and therefore received the nickname of the 'Chicken Raiders'." Poor fellows. They somewhat remind me of the 26th PA Emergency Militia, who had similar misadventures. In nearby Everett (then known as Bloody Run), some of the Chicken Raiders were engaged in a small firefight with a small detachment of Albert Jenkin's Confederate cavalry. Both sides quickly skedaddled and returned to their main column. Such was the great military action in Bedford County.

Here is some information on the historical marker and site:

Dedicated: Saturday, June 29, 1963
County: Bedford
Marker Type: Roadside

GIS Coordinates: 40.1009, -78.38953

Location: SR 1005 (former Pa. 36 & LR 286) 5 miles S of Loysburg

Marker Text: Entrenchments still visible by the roadsides were prepared in June, 1863, by militia under Col. J.C. Higgins against threatened Confederate attack toward the railroad at Altoona. The march of troops toward Gettysburg on June 30 - July 1 ended the danger and the need for these defenses.

Driving Directions: From Bedford take Route 30 east to the "hospital" exit. Turn right after exiting and drive across the bridge (that crosses back over Route 30). Continue on this road (SR1005) to the north. The entrenchments will be on your left.

The trenches are right beside the road. Can't miss the sign.

Map and marker on site.

I would estimate the trenches stretch a half-mile. They are in very good condition.

A very unique item...

2009-04-01T21:00:00.004-04:00

Recently, I had the opportunity to purchase a very unique historical item related to the Civil War. It is an envelope dated January 18, 1889 postmarked from New York City. The simple piece of paper is addressed to a Mrs. Horace G. Allen on Roxbury Highlands in Boston, Massachusetts. The return address in the upper left is shown as The Homosassa Company on 45 Broadway, New York City. Now, at first, this yellowed scrap of paper may just seem like old attic junk to go in the recycling bin. However, upon closer inspection and research, one can see it is much more than that. This envelope was written by General Joshua Chamberlain...

I won this item in an auction, but did some careful research before I bought the item. I'm as skeptical as anybody when it comes to old documents signed by famous individuals. However, I found numerous clues to be too overwhelming for this not to be authentic.

First of all, the return address is marked as "The Hamosassa Company." Joshua Chamberlain, along with businessmen John Dunn and Benjamin Dutton, was a part owner of this company. In Edward G. Longacre's Joshua Chamberlain: The Soldier and the Man, he writes:

"To make his dream [of an enterprise] a reality, he had to move. Early in 1884 he and Wyllys [his son] went to live in Ocala, Florida, where Chamberlain joined what became know as the Homosassa Company. The concern planned to construct a local hotel that would develop into a tourist mecca, as well as permanent dwellings for year-round residents. But that stretch of the coast in which the firm invested proved so overgrown with vegetation and so susceptible to harsh weather that landholdings deteriorated and the grand hotel never materialized. While his father labored to commercialize the area despite declining health, his son tried to practice law in Ocala. Neither turned a profit." Chamberlain then became vice-president of the Silver Spring, Ocala & Gulf Railroad Company. This railroad link helped his other business venture with Homosassa. "Through the latter 1880s he divided his time between Ocala and New York City, where from corporate offices on Wall Street he raised funds for his railroad and improvement companies." This date fits well into the time frame of the postmark.

Now that is a good start. I've confirmed the link between Chamberlaind and Homosassa. But who is the person the letter is addressed to? Mrs. Horace G. Allen. As it turns out, Horace G. Allen was Chamberlain's son-in-law. Therefore, this was a letter for Chamberlain's daughter, Grace. Things are looking good.

Finally, what about the handwriting itself? What if this was written out by one of Chamberlain's secretaries and not himself? I went around through other digital archives looking at original Chamberlain letters and signatures to investigate further. While I'm not calligraphic expert, it is not difficult to recognize Chamberlain's distinctive handwriting. The "H" especially in "Horace" sticks out. From the other letters I examined, I saw time and time again Chamberlain formed a small triangualr shape in the base of his "H"s. The other letters also match as best I could asertain. In addition, it would seem likely that Chamberlain would personally address a private letter to his daughter while an assistant would take care of more business related matters.

In conclusion, I firmly believe this item was hand-writeen by the general. In my eyes anyway, there is plenty of proof to conclude this. While I will never know why this envelope survived 120 years before it came to me, I like to think it came all this way just so I could preserve it. Perhaps someday I will give it to a museum. Besides, it's not everyday one can get their hands on such a unique piece of Civil War History...

Touring Gettysburg with Tim Smith

2009-03-28T22:32:00.015-04:00

Guide Tim Smith describes the actions of the 26th PA Militia in front of the group's monument on Chambersburg Street.

This weekend I had the opportunity to tour battle sites in and around Gettysburg with Licensed Battlefield Guide Timothy Smith via the Civil War Seminars through Harrisburg Area Community College. A great time was had by all and I know everybody in attendance learned a lot. We began in the morning with a talk by Jim Getty (as Abe Lincoln). We then had a classroom session with Tim followed by lunch and battlefield tour. (There were five speakers total and you can choose the one with the topic which interests you most.) About 150 people attended. Tim's topic discussed was the "forgotten" battle at Gettysburg - the skirmishes on June 26, 1863, several days before the major battle. All of the following information is from his presentation.

The battle on that day was "virtually bloodless," as Tim said, but very well could be considered the opening shots of the great battle. During this time, there was great fear in Pennsylvania and Harrisburg regarding Confederate Invasion. The previous fall, Jeb Stuart rode through Mercersburg, Chambersburg, Cashtown, fought a skirmish at New Salem (modern McKnightstown), and barely bypassed Gettysburg.

On June 15, 1863, Confederate General Albert Jenkin's cavalry captured Chambersburg, capturing free African-Americans and claiming them as "escaping southern property." The blacks who escaped dispersed throughout the countryside, spreading the word of invasion and fear throughout the region.

A short time later, Emmitsburg, Maryland was set ablaze and the people of the surrounding communities figured it was the Confederates. Actually, it was a drunk turned arsonist who burned down a saloon he was denied entry to. The fire spread and burned much of the town.

In Gettysburg, the "College Guards," a company of eighty students, was formed under Frederick Klinefelter, a student at the Lutheran Theological Seminary. Granville O. Haller, formerly the Provost under Gen. George McClellan, was on permanent leave in York when he heard of the invasion and offered his services to Governor Andrew Curtin. Haller intended to contain the invasion by falling trees, spying on the enemy, and blocking mountain passes. Haller's men, including five different groups of militia and troops from the area, built a barricade at Monterey. However, Jenkin's cavalry sneaked behind them and ran them off after a few shots. Haller's plan largely falls apart. Meanwhile, Col. William Jennings commanded the 26th PA Emergency Militia, composed of civilians from the surrounding counties.

Mr. Smith told us a very amusing story of a female farmer who lived west of Gettysburg. She lived on one side of a creek and her cow in a pasture on the other side. Every day, she brought the cow over to the house for milking. But, rather than wading through the creek, she slowly took the cow on the railroad bridge over the creek. Besides, she knew the train schedule and when it was safe to cross. June 1863, however, was a different matter. A train filled with troops and supplies of the 26th PA approached the town. The woman (who's name has been lost to history) was crossing the bridge with her cow in front of her when the train came speeding in from Harrisburg. Unable to move around the cow, she was forced to jump in the creek. The locomotive then hits the cow, the cow explodes, the train derails, and many militiamen were hurt! To add insult to injury, as one soldier tried to comfort the wet, crying woman afterward, a number of the militiamen pulled out their bayonets and helped themselves to some fresh ground beef...

(Post Correction: I managed to screw up a few tactical details regarding the 26th PA's actions. My friend and Civil War brainiac JD Petruzzi was good enough to point some of these out. Below is part of his summary of the battle):

It was "Elijah White's 35th Battalion VA Cavalry that [hit] the 26th skirmish line (the rest of the regiment had already skedaddled west by then). Col. William French's 17th VA Cavalry was leading Avery and Smith's column along the Mummasburg Road at the time, having turned off back at Hilltown Road. White and his battalion were leading Gordon's Brigade along the Chambersburg Pike, and that's who skirmished there. And the skirmish actually took place several hundred yards west of the little 26th PA marker - west of Marsh Creek - not where the marker stands today.

The 17th VA Cavalry charged the remainder of the 26th PA at the Witmer Farm later that afternoon. And the militia didn't retreat then along the Belmont Road - that's the road they took during the earlier skirmish with White. At the Witmer Farm skirmish, the escapees took what is today Shrivers Corner Road."

Most escaped though, marching 55 out of the next 60 hours to reach the safety of Harrisburg. However, that same day, Private George Washington Sandoe, a resident of Gettysburg and member of the Adams County Cavalry, was killed along Rock Creek while trying to get back home.

This great skedaddle of June 1863 had finally ended. Tim told us calling this engagement "a route" was putting it kindly. However, he said we shouldn't be quick to judge the soldiering or patriotism of these militiamen, for most weren't professional soldiers and they still did more than those who decided to stay home. Confederate Gen. Jubal Early later commented on this skirmish, revealing his witty dark humor, saying it was a good thing the Pennsylvania Militia scattered so quickly "or somebody might have been hurt."

Below are some photos of my adventures this weekend:

We started with Jim Getty as Lincoln at HACC.

26th PA Monument on Route 30.

This marker describes some of some of the fighting on June 26, 1863. It is on the northern side of Route 30 heading into Gettysburg from the west. It is in front of the salvage yard.

The Witmer Farm on Schriver's Corner Road.

Tim opposite of Witmer Farm - site of 26th PA's skirmish line.

Tim's point of view looking east. The building at center also belonged to the Witmer's but wasn't built until the 1870s.

I also checked out the Camp Letterman field hospital site this weekend. Unfortunately, the land has been cleared and looks like it is going to be developed.

And the old visitor center...

You can see the old entrance ways into the Electric Map in the far background. Much has been going on in Gettysburg these days. I'm anxious to see what the restored area will look like.

The Gettysburg Cyclorama

2009-03-25T18:20:00.005-04:00

Okay, the picture above isn't a completely accurate photo. At right is Paul Philippoteaux, a famed French artist who painted the masterful Gettysburg Cyclorama (now refurbished and on display in the visitor center). The two guys on the other hand don't seem to fit in...for they are myself and my little brother. This picture was taken on the Grand Opening weekend in September and we stood in front of a green screen. Great photo, huh?

Anyway, I thought I'd share some cyclorama photos today. Most interestingly is a 360 degree viewer of the painting which was done during the restoration process. This one is really cool! Below are some more vintage images of the famous painting.

The first version of the painting, completed in 1883 and originally exhibited in Chicago, was lost for some time. It was rediscovered in 1965 and purchased by a group of North Carolina investors in 2007 for an undisclosed amount. Until November 2005, the second painting, originally exhibited in Boston, was on display at the Gettysburg National Military Park. It was removed for restoration work and the exhibition was reopened September 2008 in the new Gettysburg National Park Museum and Visitor Center. The third version, exhibited in Philadelphia, is known to have been destroyed. The location of the fourth version, originally exhibited in Brooklyn, is unknown.

Here is a view of the Cyclorama when in Nashville, TN.

And in Boston. The painting inside this one is the one now in Gettysburg.

It was then moved to this building on Cemetery Hill in 1913 where it was nailed to the wall!

It was then moved to this one in 1961. It was on display here until 2005 when restoration began.
Below are some interior shots.

And here is Richard Neutra, designer of the '60s cyclorama building, as seen in front of his creation. This photo was taken in 1969, a year before his death. His family is trying to save the building from demolition, but I can't say I support their mission to do so. The building never fit into the rural atmosphere. Special thanks to the Center of Civil War Photography for this picture.

More pictures and video to come!

Museum Coming Down

2009-03-24T11:53:00.006-04:00

By ERIN JAMES -
The Evening Sun, Posted: 03/24/2009

Alone on the sidewalk, Michael Waricher watched as a powerful crane gutted the building in front of him. Waricher was in Gettysburg by chance on Monday, the day demolition began on the former Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center on Taneytown Road.

A Carlisle resident and frequent visitor to Gettysburg, Waricher said he wasn't going to leave without witnessing the latest chapter in Gettysburg history. He said he supports the park's goal of demolishing the former museum, Cyclorama building and adjacent parking lots in an effort to restore the land to its 1863 appearance. "I'm glad to see it, quite frankly," Waricher said. "It's served its usefulness and it's time to move on."

As the crane ripped bricks, wires and insulation from the building, only a few looked on. The drivers of passing cars occasionally touched the brakes, and tourists sometimes peered across the wall of the Soldiers' National Cemetery for a few minutes to watch. But for most of Monday afternoon, the 88-year-old building came apart without an audience. By 3 p.m., the former museum was left with a gaping hole in its side. Eventually, there will be nothing left.

The Gettysburg Foundation, the park's private partner that operates the new museum, is paying a Maryland-based company, Interior Specialists, $800,000 to demolish both the former visitor center and, eventually, the Cyclorama building.

But the fate of the Cyclorama building, which once housed the 360-degree Cyclorama painting of Pickett's Charge, depends on the outcome of a federal lawsuit that pits the park against a preservation group that hopes to save the structure. Officials have said that demolition project will wait until the lawsuit is settled. The demolition project is one part of a plan that dates back nearly a decade to restore the 6,000 acres of Gettysburg battlefield within the park's boundary to its appearance in 1863. The Gettysburg Foundation is paying Maryland-based company Interior Specialists $800,000 to demolish the former Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center and, if the Park Service prevails in a federal lawsuit, the Cyclorama building too will be demolished.

For years, the park has proceeded with that plan by removing trees from places where they didn't exist at the time of the battle, when Civil War soldiers fought on open land. Telephone poles and utility lines have been relocated underground so as not to impede on a history student's perspective.

Working behind the counter of Gettysburg Souvenirs and Gifts on Steinwehr Avenue, Cheryl Mickley said she was "saddened" to hear that demolition had begun at the former museum. "I hate to see it go," she said.

Even though the former museum closed nearly a year ago - when the new visitor center on Baltimore Pike opened - the building's pending demolition makes final what many Steinwehr Avenue business owners objected to when the park's plan was first proposed.

Some worried the museum's relocation would deter tourists from visiting the nearby street lined with stores, hotels and restaurants. And, according to many accounts, that's exactly what's happened. "It has made an impact," Mickley said. "We felt that last summer."

But the economy and high gas prices last year also factored in, she said, adding that business owners are optimistic for the upcoming tourist season. Leaning on the wall that separates Soldiers' National Cemetery from Taneytown Road, longtime friends Pat Blaser and Gerry O'Brien watched the demolition happening across the street.

Both men said they understand the former museum had passed its prime. But they said they wished the new museum could have been constructed in its place.

"It's a shame," Blaser said. "I really did like this place, but it wasn't big enough." Blaser, who lives in Hershey, Pa., said he'll also miss the Electric Map. "It really gave you a great lay of the land," he said.

O'Brien, a Gettysburg resident, agreed. He said he'll miss leaving the walls of the museum and walking right onto the battlefield. "I would have preferred that they had the new one here as well," he said. "I liked the fact that people could walk across the street to the National Cemetery."

ejames@eveningsun.com. Photos by James Robinson.

Saving the First Day's Battlefield

2009-03-23T19:24:00.006-04:00

Above: For God's Sake Forward by Don Troiani. Below: Gen. James Archer

After eight years of federal funding cuts, Gettysburg National Military Park is finally receiving some additional money for operating costs and landscape restoration. Additionally, the park may now be able to fill its seventeen vacant positions, which they were previously unable to replace after those workers moved on or retired.

As it turns out, this new money may be used to purchase the former Gettysburg Country Club, a golf course which was the scene of intense fighting on July 1, 1863 between the Federal Iron Brigade and the Confederate brigade under the commander of General James Archer, who was captured on this site by a Private Patrick Maloney of the 2nd Wisconsin. After the advance of the Iron Brigade, there was a counterattack unleashed upon them by Gen. James Johnston Pettigrew and his command of North Carolinians. Obviously, this terrain is highly valuable land both historically and monetarily. I sincerely hope it is not turned into a housing development and that the Park Service or Civil War Preservation Trust may be able to preserve this significant site. The following is yet another fine article from the Hanover Evening Sun:

Funds make country club purchase possible again

Gettysburg National Military Park has $2.2 million to spend on land acquisition, and the Gettysburg Country Club is a high priority on the list of potential purchases.
By ERIN JAMES
The Evening Sun
Posted: 03/23/2009

For the first time since 2001, Gettysburg National Military Park has a budget that includes money for land acquisition - to the tune of $2.2 million.
And, if the pieces fall into place, some of those funds could potentially be used to purchase an easement to protect the Gettysburg Country Club from further development. "At the moment our goal is to discuss an easement," said park spokeswoman Katie Lawhon. But the park might consider outright purchase if an easement limiting development weren't possible, she said.
The 120-acre golf course is listed as a high priority on the park's list of properties within its 6,000-acre boundary but not owned by the National Park Service. In Gettysburg, that is true of about one out of every six acres. But properties are not always up for sale, and when they are, the park does not always have the funds to make a purchase. "Now we've got both of those, potentially," Lawhon said.
The Gettysburg Country Club fell into financial distress last year, and the bank ultimately foreclosed on the property. It went up for sale at a sheriff's auction for a minimum of $2.79 million in February, but no one placed a bid. That transferred the property back to Susquehanna Bank as the new owner. At the time, the bank's attorney implied that the property would eventually be up for sale. "Banks don't operate golf courses," Eugene Pepinsky said.
The park had been in discussions about purchasing the property with the club's previous owners, but an agreement was never reached. Now that the property is for sale and the funds are available, Lawhon said the park will likely try again. "I think it shows that there's certainly a greater chance," she said.
The Gettysburg Country Club was the site of significant fighting during the Battle of Gettysburg. On the first day of the battle, the famed Iron Brigade attacked across Willoughby Run onto what is now the golf course, driving back a Confederate brigade and capturing its commander, Gen. James Archer. Later in the day, Confederate Gen. James Pettigrew's North Carolina brigade advanced across the golf course to attack the Iron Brigade near the run. Both brigades lost more than 1,000 men that day.
If the park does succeed in acquiring the property, it couldn't come at a better time for some preservationists. Earlier this week, the Civil War Preservation Trust (CWPT) released its annual History Under Siege report, which names the top 10 endangered Civil War battlefields. As usual, Gettysburg is on the list. But this time, the Gettysburg Country Club is specifically named as a property at risk of further development. "We'd love to see it preserved," said Mary Koik, spokeswoman for the CWPT.
Like the park, the CWPT has also inquired about purchasing the property, but Koik said the asking price is just too high. In other words, there's no guarantee the country club will go from the bank to a group, like the park or the CWPT, interested in preserving it.
It's also not the only property the park could use the $2.2 million land-acquisition funds to purchase. The country club is one of 80 parcels of land within the park not owned by the Park Service. Of those 80, 33 are listed as high priority.
Lawhon wouldn't comment specifically on what other parcels are on the park's radar. Again, it depends on whether there's a willing seller, she said. "If somebody wants to talk to us about selling an easement or selling their property, we want them to call us," she said. "It's not going to do us any good if the owners aren't interested in talking to us."
Lawhon said the park received word of its $6.5 million 2009 budget just recently. In addition to the $2.2 million for land acquisition, the budget also includes an increase of $689,000 for park operations and $200,000 for battlefield rehabilitation. About $152,000 of the operations increase is allocated for fixed-cost increases, such as salaries, and the rest is allocated for additional programming, Lawhon said.
The operations budget increase is welcome news, Lawhon said, because the park has for years not been able to fill positions when employees left or retired. The result is a total of 17 vacant positions in Gettysburg, she said. "That (increase) is a direct response to that concern," she said. "There's so many vacant positions because money has been so tight."

ejames@eveningsun.com

Joshua Chamberlain's Home

2009-03-19T12:58:00.012-04:00

This past summer, my family and I had the opportunity to tour New England. Of course, we had to stop at the home of Civil War General Joshua Chamberlain. What is now the Joshua Chamberlain Museum was the family home beginning in 1859 when they bought this house. What is now the second floor of this building was originally the first floor. The general had the home raised and a whole other floor built underneath it! Pretty impressive for those times I think! Upon Chamberlain's death in 1914, his daughter, Grace Dupee, unfortunately auctioned off the general's collection of books, furniture, and military artifacts. (What was she thinking?) Some of these artifacts have been recovered, but mostly not. For many decades, the home was trashed as a dormitory by students at Bowdoin College. It was not until The Killer Angels novel and the movie Gettysburg was released that local citizens realized the historic treasure they had in their community. The home was saved.

Here is the main hall of the home. The little white knob on the wall is a thermostat at an angle at which Chamberlain could reach it due to his war wounds. Notice the original dinner gong to the upper left of the stairway.

This is one of the upstairs studies/bedrooms in which the Chamberlain children may have resided.

This is Chamberlain's original Civil War saddle, a very impressive artifact. At the bottom of the case is a photo of him mounted on his valiant steed, Charlemagne, also known as "Charlie Maine" by locals.

In another case are Chamberlain's boots which he wore at Gettysburg. When one looks closely, they can see the patch placed on a boot when a piece of shrapnel hit it on Little Round Top. The sword to the right was one of his swords, but not the famous bent one he used at Gettysburg. That one was auctioned off in 1914 and never recovered. There is nothing left of his uniform except the buttons, which are displayed in the background.

Here is the original bullet which went through Chamberlain at Petersburg. The wound was nearly mortal. After his recovery, Joshua gave the bullet to his brother, Tom, for it was he who saved Chamberlain and forced surgeons to operate on Joshua when the doctors thought Chamberlain was beyond saving.

This is Chamberlain's office, including his original inkwell. The big red chair at left was his governor chair. This chair was thought lost, but was actually found being used to throne the prom queen once every year at Bowdoin College! Needless to say, they quickly found another chair for the prom queen!

The completely refurbished living room.

A view looking towards the front door and rear of the staircase.

Across the street in the Bowdoin College Library, you can find Chamberlain's Medal of Honor.

And of course, I had to go pay my respects to the general himself...

Exploring PA's Civil War Flags: Part II

2009-03-14T23:07:00.008-04:00

There are also Civil War flags in the rotunda of the PA capitol. Outside the main entrance is an equestrian statue of Gen. John Frederick Hartranft (1830 - 1889). Remembered as "Old Johnny" by the troops he commanded, Hartranft became the second of Pennsylvania's Civil War heroes to become governor after the war. This statue was dedicated in 1899 by his men.

To find the flags still in the capitol, walk in the main rotunda and
walk behind this statue at the front of the main staircase...

...To the side rear of the staircase, you will find two of these cases. There are about ten of these cases in the rotunda, all originally installed to house flags, but they now display other artifacts. The remainer of the flags are in a nearby facility as shown in part I of this post. There are about 25 flags in this particular case, each identified by the tags tied around the top of them.

Click to zoom in and read the text of the display.

Up the staircase is a statue of Civil War Governor Andrew G. Curtin, perhaps the most important of the Federal state executives. Curtin formed the vital Loyal War Governors' Conference of 1862 and helped establish the Gettysburg National Cemetery.

Across the street is the State Museum of Pennsylvania,
which devotes an entire gallery to the Civil War in Pennsylvania.

Included in the exhibit is a Gettysburg cannon and Peter Rothermel's famed panoramic
painting of Pickett's Charge. There is much more to explore here as well.
This only scratches the surface of Harrisburg's Civil War Heritage.

Clash at East Cavalry Field

2009-03-11T13:22:00.002-04:00

Today's video is from the documentary feature Horses of Gettysburg. This particular segment depicts the fierce horseback fighting which took place on East Cavalry Field. 8,000 men and 8,000 horses from the Union and Confederacy's mounted armies met in one of the largest cavalry battles of the Civil War. Years before his famous stand at Little Big Horn, General George Armstrong Custer was known as a fearless cavalry commander. His encounter with the forces of Confederate General J.E.B. Stuart on the East Cavalry Field helped to determine the outcome of the Battle of Gettysburg. Enjoy!

Exploring PA's Civil War Flags

2009-03-08T21:34:00.005-04:00

On a few occassions, I've had the opportunity to explore the Pennsylvania Civil War flags collection near the capitol in Harrisburg. Thought I'd take the time to share some stories and photos with you all. The following summary is courtesy of Capitol Preservation Committee. Click any of the photos below to enlarge them.

"Hundreds of heroic stories surround Pennsylvania's Civil War battle flags. More than 300,000 Keystoners answered the call for duty during one of America's most trying times. In the initial days of the war, the Pennsylvania Legislature convened in a special session to provide for the defense of the Commonwealth. Among the new acts passed was one authorizing Governor Andrew G. Curtin to procure battle flags for each regiment that Pennsylvania contributed to the Union Army. Most regiments carried several flags issued either by the state or federal government.

After the war, Pennsylvania's military department was responsible for collecting the state-issued flags. Many of the colors were collected as the regiments mustered out of service. On July 4, 1866, the battle flags were officially returned to the custody of the Commonwealth. On that memorable day, Pennsylvania Civil War veterans, representing the state's 215 regiments, took part in a spectacular parade through the center of Philadelphia, culminating in an impressive ceremony at Independence Hall.

The following day the flags were moved to Harrisburg, where the colors were stored in special cases in the State Arsenal building. In 1872, the Legislature appropriated money to furnish a flag room on the second floor of the Hills Capitol. The flag room was completed in 1873 where these treasured relics remained until 1894. At that time they were removed to the newly erected Executive Library and Museum building (now known as the Speaker Matthew J. Ryan Building).

Twenty years later, June 14, 1914, after architect Joseph M. Huston had finished the new Capitol building, Pennsylvania veterans came together once again to transfer their flags back to the Capitol building.

In a heartrending ceremony, the aged warriors placed the colors in custom-made flag cases in the main rotunda. The flags were kept virtually untouched until 1982 when the Capitol Preservation Committee initiated its "Save the Flags" project. Throughout the years dust had accumulated on the rolled flags, and the long-term vertical display of the flags had placed severe stress on the brittle silk fabric and painted designs. Textile conservators carefully removed the flags from the rotunda and transported them to a state facility near the Capitol.

Over a period of five years, 390 Civil War and twenty-two Spanish-American flags were conserved. Each flag is now kept on an acid-free panel stored in custom designed, stainless steel storage units. The flags are protected from light, dust, fluctuating temperature, humidity, and excessive handling."

This particular cavalry guidon belonged to the 7th PA Cavalry, in which one of my Civil War ancestors served. Sgt. Sylvester Weakland (related through my father' side) was a blacksmith in the regiment and shoed the horses of the regiment.

The flags are kept on these acid free shelves and covered in a tissue paper-type material. Each regiment has its own shelf (or shelves) for their respective flags. You can see the other trays covered up in the background.

They also have the the flag staffs in a special drawer cabinet. Here is one that was struck by a bullet in battle. Phew, that was a close one!

Here are some more. More than one has battle damage.
You can see the other pull-out drawers which hold more of the poles.

I have more photos and information to come on this historic and often overlooked gem from Civil War Harrisburg. I encourage you all to visit this site and other historic ones when you are in the area.

Picture of the Week

2009-03-06T16:11:00.002-05:00

Dinner time! This 1913 photo shows many Civil War vets lined up for chow at the 50th anniversary ceremonies. The young uniformed guys at center are Boy Scouts whose jobs were to help the aged veterans get around. I bet they all ate well, huh? (Click to enlarge.)

Farewell to the Old Museum

2009-03-04T10:56:00.002-05:00

The information booth at the former visitor center for Gettysburg National Military Park is today a scattered mess of papers and brochures. Crews from Maryland-based Interior Specialists began working recently in preparation for the old museum s demolition, which officials expect will begin in the next three to four weeks. (Evening Sun Photo by James Robinson )

Some of you may have read my post the other day concerning the removal of the old park visitor center. Below is a recent article regarding the demolition of the site:

Old Gettysburg Visitor Center in its last days

But the Cyclorama building, also scheduled for demolition, will remain until the park settles a federal lawsuit with a preservation group hoping to save it.

ERIN JAMES
The Evening Sun

In hallways where thousands of schoolchildren and tourists once crowded together, the exhaled breath of a lone visitor now hangs visible in the cold, empty air. The heat was long ago turned off at Gettysburg National Military Park's former museum and visitor center, which, with a pending fate of demolition, is merely a shell of its former self. Today, the place is an eerie mess, full of empty shelves, scattered papers and outdated brochures.

Forgotten coffee mugs and an empty vending machine linger in the break room. Old lockers and mailboxes left behind still bear the names of park employees. A poster left hanging on an upstairs wall advertises the 2008 opening of the new museum and visitor center on Baltimore Pike.

The new center opened last April, but there is unfinished business at the former museum on Taneytown Road. Recently, crews began the process of inspecting, and ultimately, demolishing the 88-year-old building.

Within a month, workers will begin to demolish the center piece by piece, said Gettysburg Foundation spokeswoman Dru Neil. The Gettysburg Foundation, the park's private partner that operates the new museum, is paying a Maryland-based company, Interior Specialists, $800,000 to demolish both the former visitor center and, eventually, the Cyclorama building.

In the meantime, though, demolition is a certain fate for the former museum.

As for how long it will take, Neil said that has yet to be determined. But the contractor expects to begin dismantling the building in the next three to four weeks, she said. The demolition project is one part of a plan that dates back nearly a decade to restore the 6,000 acres of Gettysburg battlefield within the park's boundary to its appearance in 1863.

Next on the list for rehabilitation is the area where the former visitor center, Cyclorama building and parking lots are located. The 43.5 acres of land, known as Ziegler's Grove, was key to the fighting on the battle's third day. In addition to the demolition, the Ziegler's Grove project calls for the underground relocation of 6,700 feet of power lines and a rehabilitation of the landscape as it once was.

The total cost of the project is estimated at more than $9.5 million, but the Gettysburg Foundation has committed $7 million from fundraising efforts. The remaining $2.5 million, park officials hope, will be allocated by Congress from federal funds. With so many factors, Neil said it is tough to say when the project will be completed - or even when officials hope it will be.

In fact, much of the planning phase is on hold until the buildings are demolished and officials can get a good look at the land left behind, she said. "This is so early on in the project that we still don't have a timeline or anything yet," Neil said. "This is very, very, very step one."

Fencing now surrounds the former Gettysburg National Military Park museum and visitor center on Taneytown Road. Crews are expected to begin demolition in the next three to four weeks. (Evening Sun Photo by James Robinson )

Big Bucks for Programs

2009-03-03T16:37:00.005-05:00

Good news from the battlefield. The David Bruce Smith Education Initiative has donated one million dollars to the Gettysburg Foundation and the park for interpretive programs related to Abraham Lincoln. Perhaps it would have been better used for battlefield preservation or restoration, but just the same, it is great news for park programs.

$1 Million will pay for park programs

By ERIN JAMES
The Evening Sun

The Gettysburg Foundation plans to spread out a $1 million gift over the next 10 years for a series of Abraham Lincoln-related programs, scholarships and distance-learning activities. The foundation, which operates the new Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center, recently announced its receipt of the donation from the Robert H. Smith Family Foundation.
According to a press release, the programs will debut this year and will be centered at the visitor center, Soldiers' National Cemetery and at other Gettysburg sites. The 10-year effort is being called the David Bruce Smith Education Initiative, named for Robert Smith's son. Robert Smith is a Virginia-based businessman and philanthropist who Gettysburg Foundation spokeswoman Dru Neil said often makes donations for history education.
Although the donation is expected to pay for a decade's worth of programming, Neil said the foundation wanted to capitalize on the attention to Lincoln's 200th birthday this year. "The timing could not be better," she said. "We definitely wanted to get started now."
Scheduled so far for this year is a walking tour of Lincoln's visit to Gettysburg, which will take visitors to the Lincoln Train Station on Carlisle Street, the David Wills House where Lincoln stayed the night of Nov. 8, 1863 and to the cemetery where the 16th president delivered his famous Gettysburg Address. The self-guided tour brochure will be available beginning in April.
A summer series of theatrical and musical performances will also be held at the visitor center. In the fall, special tours focusing on the Gettysburg Address and Lincoln's 1863 visit will be held at the cemetery.
Finally for 2009, a statue of Lincoln will be unveiled Nov. 19 - the 146th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address - at the visitor center. Distance-learning activities - when Gettysburg officials broadcast history lessons to classrooms across the country - are also part of the initiative and will pay for Lincoln-related curriculum, Neil said.
"Those have been wildly, wildly popular," she said. The initiative will continue in 2010 with public programs, an annual lecture and a portable exhibit on Lincoln and his speech.

The Rosensteel Museum (1921 - 2009)

2009-02-27T15:23:00.011-05:00

My friends at Military History Online and Gettysburg Daily recently informed me that the old Rosensteel Gettysburg Museum and former Visitor Center is in its first stages of demolition. Fences are being set up around it and utility fixtures are being removed. This building will most definitely be gone by late spring.

While I am highly pleased with the new visitor center, some are saddened by the removal of this Gettysburg fixture which enlightened millions of visitors in its eighty-eight year history. However, this area will be restored to its 1863 appearance, which is the greater good.

Now, let us look back on the Rosensteel Museum and reflect on its important place in Gettysburg History. If you have any pictures of the museum, please send them to me and I will be happy to post them for you. Please click on any of the photo to enlarge them. (These photos are courtesy of my little bro, Mark. Thanks buddy!)

This view was taken on Remembrance Day 2007 - the last hurrah for the former Rosensteel Museum.

Seen here is the main lobby with its famous gum-stained carpet. The desks at right were where visitors could learn about tours, tickets for Eisenhower's Farm, and the most frequently asked question: "Where are the restrooms?"

Upon entering the museum from the lobby, visitors would look down to see a dozen or so cannon tubes from the Civil War. Most of these artillery pieces are now on display in a semi-circle encompassing the entrance to the newly restored cyclorama painting.

Directly underneath the visitors would be this Confederate Howitzer which was actually used in the battle. I believe this piece is now in one of the galleries at the new museum, but the caisson behind it is not.

Here are the plaques dedicated to the Rosensteel Family - the founders of the original museum before the Park Service bought it in the 1970s. These plaques were not originally to be in the new museum, but public demand for them to be so made the Park Service change its mind. They look very nice in their new location.

Even President Ike and Monty visited the map. Eisenhower often used the battlefield and museum to entertain his numerous important guests, also including Charles de Gaulle, Winston Churchill, Richard Nixon, as well as the granchildren.

And here is my final book signing at the visitor center...good times.

Farewell you trusty old museum...

Three Months to go...

2009-02-26T16:29:00.003-05:00

Three months from today, three other interns and myself will begin our training at Gettysburg National Military Park. It is so close yet so far away. Three months may seem like a short time to many, however, I suspect most of you don't have two and a half months of College Algebra left in that time period! Ah! Oh well, we all have trials and tribulations to put up with until we are rewarded.

I just recently discovered who my fellow interns will be. One is from Yale, one from Scranton University, and a fellow Penn Stater. In fact, the intern from Scranton is a graduate student who also went to Penn State. We feel bad for the Yale student who will have to put up with us Nittany Lions!

The four us will be living in what is known as the "Welcome Traveler," a nice brick home not far from the 10th Maine Battalion Monument. Most of the 10th Maine mustered out early in 1863 at the end of their enlistments, but enough men had signed up for three years service to reorganize as a three company battalion. It was commanded at Gettysburg by Captain John Davis Beardsley, a sawmill owner from Woodstock, ME who had enlisted along with all his mill hands. Assigned to provost guard duty, the group saw no heavy action, if any. Nevertheless, everybody has a monument at Gettysburg!

I may be working with the Living History coordinator at the park, but await more information. Barb Sanders, our Education and Intern coordinator told us we may have the opportunity to initiate our own projects and ideas into the park's events. I have some really fun ideas and hope I might be able to work on some of them during my time at Gettysburg. Eighty-eight days until the experience begins.

Upcoming Events in Gettysburg

2009-02-23T20:33:00.003-05:00

As those cold and miserable days of winter are (hopefully) nearing an end, plans are underway for some great events this spring in Gettysburg. There are some terrific activities to do in the spring off-season beginning in late March. Below are some of which I hope to attend. There are even more listed on the Gettysburg Convention & Visitors Bureau, showing numerous events for all different tastes and interests.

On Saturday March 28, Harrisburg Area Community College (Gettysburg Campus) will be hosting their annual Civil War Seminar. The cost is $59 and includes two indoor sessions, two meals, and a battlefield tour. The first speaker will be James Getty, famed Lincoln impersonator and historian. Mr. Getty will be speaking about Lincoln and the bicentennial. Afterward, attendees may choose one of the following sessions:

President Lincoln Comes to Gettysburg - by John J. Fitzpatrick
Ring of Iron: Defense of the Baltimore Road - Charles C. Fennell
June 26, 1863: The First Battle of Gettysburg - Timothy Smith
Connecticutt at Gettysburg - Stuart Dempsey
Clash of Sabers at East Cavalry Field - David Hamacher

Another upcoming event is History Meets the Arts on April 18 and 19. That Saturday, I will be attending the 2nd Annual Mort Kunstler Collectors' Seminar at the MKunstler Gallery and Gettysburg Hotel on York Street. The famed artist and other experts will be there discussing Kunstler's work, technique, and more. Kunstler will be painting or drawing something at that time, and all who attend will be entered in a raffle to win it. (Now that would be cool!) This event is $30 per adult and $15 per student and well worth it. The little brother and myself attended last year and had a great time.

That same day, equally as talented Civil War artist John Paul Strain will be at The Gettysburg Frame Shop on Chambersburg Street. Artist Keith Rocco will be there that day as well at the Brafferton Inn. I plan to soak in all the info and talent in Gettysburg that weekend. Simply looking at the artwork of all these guys helps my own technique as an artist improve. Plus, the newly opened David Wills House should be worth a visit as well. If you think these are a lot of things to do, just wait until summer!

The Studebakers of Gettysburg

2009-02-21T13:46:00.003-05:00

Yes, those Studebakers. I bet most people don't know that the early automobile industry had its origins in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Members of the then "Staudenbecker" Family arrived in Philadelphia from Germany in 1736 and moved westward to Gettysburg shortly thereafter. In 1820, John Studebaker married Rebbecca Mohler there. Eventually, they have five sons, one of whom was John Mohler, the future president of Studebaker Brothers Manufacturing.

John Studebaker made wagons in Gettysburg up through the 1830s until the family moved to Ohio. (Gettysburg was well known for its wagon manufacturing, not shoes as is widely believed.) In South Bend, Indiana, the Studebaker sons produced countless wagons for the Union Army during the Civil War-many of which were coincidentally used at Gettysburg. Studebaker's five sons went on to enhance their father's original profession by creating some of the first electric automobiles (which we need more of these days). The Studebaker corporation first made these in 1902. Two years later, they built a similar car, but gasoline-powered. The company lasted until 1967.

I often joke with my father that so much of modern history and society can be connected with the American Civil War...even Studebaker cars.

Picture of the Week

2009-02-18T00:20:00.003-05:00

This photo was taken in 1913 at the 50th anniversary of Gettysburg. This particular tent housed "Tar Heels" of North Carolina. The man in front of the tent and the other on the cot look too young to be veterans, so perhaps they are companions or even reporters from North Carolina. The banner reads: "1861-1865. The Tar Heel State: First at Bethel and Last at Appomattox. God Bless North Carolina." A great photo! (Click to enlarge.)

More Bicentennial Buzz

2009-02-17T00:36:00.003-05:00

As some of you may know, director Steven Spielberg has long been planning an epic biography on Abraham Lincoln. Liam Nesson has been cast as the 16th president for a number of years now. The film has been in the works for years and gone through several writing revisions. Just as I began to doubt this film was going to be made, I found this article. Looks as if it might be out this year! Obviously, that would be very appropriate.

Playwright and screenwriter Tony Kushner last night took part in a panel discussion at the Harvard University Institute of Politics under the rather prolix heading of Looking For Lincoln: In his Time and Ours - A Conversation on the Meaning of Abraham Lincoln. Kushner’s invitation was most likely on the basis of his longterm engagement, scripting a Lincoln picture for Steven Spielberg.

Present at the event was a wonderful snoop who chose to confide in Jeff Wells via cellphone e-mail. This snoop reported a claim from Kushner that “the decision will be made on Lincoln next week” and that a green light would likely see the film in cinemas “before Christmas”. Kushner also gave some details on how the script has been shaped and what the narrative would entail.

So, what do we know? Here are some bullet points reported from Kushner’s revelations.

1. The movie only covers two months of Lincoln’s life.

2. The the first draft covered four months and was 500 long.
3. The 13th amendment, by which slavery was abolished, “is a big thing in the movie."

4. Lincoln died just over four months after the 13th amendment was enacted, so either these two months of screen narrative are non-continuous, Kushner has taken some liberties, or Lincoln’s death won’t be part of the movie.

I’m thinking Kushner will have taken some liberties. I mean… that’s what he does. It’s what his director does. It’s how they tell stories. I might even put some of my imaginary money on the film ending with the abolition of slavery.

Sally Field and Liam Neeson are reportedly attached as the president and his wife, with Harrison Ford (perhaps improbably) rumoured to be taking on the role of Andrew Johnson, Lincoln’s successor.

Previous Kushner-Spielberg collaboration Munich (talking of liberties…) was released in cinemas within six months of principal photography beginning, so I see no reason why they couldn’t pull it off again.

And for the record, Kushner says “the decision”, but he really means “a decision”. If Lincoln isn’t given the greenlight this time, I dare say Spielberg will have another shot in the future.

Something Different...

2009-02-14T12:55:00.009-05:00

People celebrate different things in different ways. The Lincoln Bicentennial this week showed us numerous commemorations throughout the country. There were many speeches, countless lectures, and plenty of ongoing exhibits. However, just this morning, I saw a form of commemoration I'd never thought I would witness. Believe it or not, Marvel Comics too is celebrating the Lincoln Bicentennial...

Yes, Spiderman and Captain America witness the Gettysburg Address in "Gettysburg Distress." I couldn't help but laugh at seeing our 16th president in his superhero mode as Spidey and the Captain look on in amazement. You can view the whole six page comic online for free here beginning on Feb. 16th. Well, that's one way to get kids to learn. As I said, people celebrate in different ways...

Abe Turns 200

2009-02-12T14:08:00.005-05:00

Today marks the bicentennial of the birth of Abraham Lincoln. All across the country, from Kentucky to D.C. to Gettysburg, people are commemorating Lincoln's life. Please read this article from the New York Times which discusses the opening of the David Wills House in Gettysburg and how it is celebrating the bicentennial. Also check out my art page on the official Lincoln Bicentennial website. The illustrations can be used by students and adults alike. Happy Birthday, Mr. President.

Gregory Coco: 1946 - 2009

2009-02-11T15:40:00.002-05:00

Greg Coco gives a tour in the National Cemetery (NPS)

Last night, all us History Buffs lost a great friend. Gregory A. Coco, a longtime park ranger at Gettysburg and gifted author of many books, lost his long battle with cancer. I was only acquainted with Greg, but his books that I read and his tours which I attended taught me an incalculable amount of history concerning the Battle of Gettysburg and the American Civil War. Greg was known for his humor and great knowledge. He once jokingly called me "one of the disciples" of Gettysburg History, one who carries on the stories of the past so that others may learn from them as well. Nevertheless, that meant a lot to me. He will be truly missed. Rest in peace, Greg.

Picture of the Week

2009-02-10T12:03:00.004-05:00

This week's picture is a photo depicting Boy Scouts playing during the 50th anniversary of the battle in July 1913. The scouts were among of the force to assist the aged Civil War vets get around from event to event. I'm sure they heard some very good stories from the old warriors. This photo is set in the grand encampment in which the veterans stayed during their visit. (Click to enlarge.)

New Book Planned

2009-02-06T16:13:00.002-05:00

As some of you may know, I've been asked to complete some illustrations for an upcoming book depicting Schuylkill County's (Pennsylvania) role in the Civil War. The author is John Hoptak, a park ranger at Antietam National Battlefield and a resident of Gettysburg. The work will interpret the lives of a number of famed fighters from that region, including Gen. James Nagle (pictured right) and Col. George Wynkoop, commander of the 7th PA Cavalry (in which I had an ancestor serve). Isn't that a big coincidence? It will be a relatively small book, but composed of some pretty good illustrations and human interest stories. It should be a great project and I look forward to working with John on it.

Battlefields good for Economy

2009-02-04T15:31:00.003-05:00

This recent study done by Michigan State indicates that Civil War Battlefields and related historic sites prove popular destinations even during difficult economic conditions. I like to think perhaps people are looking to the past to solve the problems of the present and future. It also goes to show that, in the long run, preserving a battlefield or historic place is more economically and morally feasible than bulldozing them and turning them into shopping centers. The town of Gettysburg alone often makes $300-$400 million per year off historic tourism. Oh, if only many local politicians could put two and two together to equal four. You see? Saving battlefields can be the way to stimulate economic growth, not prevent it. If only the American people could understand that.

National Parks still booming in bad economy
February 2, 2009 - 2:43pm

Manassas National Battlefield Park.

Hank Silverberg, WTOP Radio
MANASSAS, Va. - It's a lucrative industry, even in a bad economy: Civil War battlefields.
A new Michigan State study shows people seeking out the past spent more than $247 million at 10 national parks within the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area, a 175-mile stretch from Gettysburg to Charlottsville.
It's estimated that every tax dollar spent on those parks generates $4 in visitor spending within a 50-mile radius of the community.
"They come from all over the country and even international," says Ed Clark, superintendent at the Manassas Battlefield. "They stay in local hotels, eat in restaurants. They buy their gas, souvenirs and do other types of shopping."
Clark says the figures will probably go up in a few years when the Civil War turns 150 in 2011. Tourists spent more than $11.7 billion visiting U.S. national parks in 2007.
The battlefields in the National Heritage area include Antietam, Fredericksburg, Manassas, Gettysburg, Appomattox Court House, Catoctin Mountain Park, The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historic Park, Eisenhower National Historic Site, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park and the Monocacy Battlefield.
(Copyright 2009 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)

Picture of the Week

2009-02-02T15:12:00.007-05:00

Starting today, I will try to be posting one picture a week of something Gettysburg related. Of course, I will attempt to find interesting and little seen images that convey something which might not be usually seen. These images will include black and white photos from different eras, both old and contemporary art, and other images as well.

This first photo is entitled "Gettysburg camp of Captain Huft" and was taken by famed photographer Alexander Gardner. (Click on it to enlarge.) It was taken in July of 1865 when the cornerstone of the Soldiers National Monument in the National Cemetery was dedicated. The road behind them would almost have to be the Taneytown Road looking southward. This photo was most likely taken in the area of what is now the soon-to-be demolished old visitor center. The cemetery would be to the rear left of the photographer's point of view.

As to this Captain Huft, who I assume is the prominent figure on the right center, I really do not know who he is or what his official position was. Did he have some official part in the creation or construction of the monument? If you know the answer to this question, please feel free to leave me a message below.

The African-Americans in the photo pose an even more interesting question: Who are they? Since Gardner took a photo of Huft and these gentleman, one would assume they had some significance or relevance in the ceremony proceedings. I would guess that they are paid laborers and possibly even laid the cornerstone itself for the monument. Either that or they played some important part in getting things started. Regardless, it looks as if they are enjoying a good meal! Ah, the mysteries of history. Anyway, it is a great photo that many I'm sure have not seen. Enjoy.

The Immaculate Connection

2009-02-01T23:04:00.002-05:00

Not to digress from my usual posts, but me and everyone else in western Pennsylvania are celebrating the Steelers' triumph over the Arizona Cardinals. The 27-23 victory was a true nail biter in the 4th quarter but was saved by Santonio Holmes amazing end zone reception. He had three Cardinals on him yet made the catch. Amazing! Holmes was recognized as MVP.

I had the opportunity to meet Dan and Jim Rooney, owners of the Steelers, this past October. They must be incredibly proud to be the only NFL team to win six Superbowls. It can be considered an historic night for sports fans. In 2006, we got one for the thumb. Now, we got six for kicks. Go Steelers!

Holmes makes his game-saving touchdown.

Those Darn Shoes...

2009-01-31T11:51:00.006-05:00

I am continually amazed how some myths throughout history keep resurfacing. No matter how many times they are disproved or doubted, they remain in our historical consciousness. George Washington chopping down a cherry tree is one such prominent tall tale. As you can guess, the Battle of Gettysburg has an infinite amount of its own myths and misconceptions. Just recently, I came across this news article from a newspaper in New Zealand which spreads one of the oldest myths of the battle.

Gettysburg: The American Battle than need not have happened
Friday, 30 January 2009, The Gisborne Herald

In 1863, the apparently invincible Confederate army marched northwards with the intention of inflicting a crushing defeat on the Union Army, the effect of which would hopefully drive Abraham Lincoln from office.

A battalion of Southern soldiers, dissatisfied with the deteriorating condition of their footwear, was informed by a colleague, that there was a boot factory in a near-by town. Approaching the town they encountered a detachment of Union cavalry and a violent skirmish ensued.

The Confederate army led by the unstoppable Robert E. Lee arrived as did the Union army commanded by General George Meade. The town was called Gettysburg.

The engagement lasted three days and ended with the failure of Pickett's Charge. Surrounding fields were strewn with over 50,000 dead or wounded, clad in either blue or grey. The great Confederate general had finally been stopped.

As neither Lee nor Meade originally intended to fight at Gettysburg a hypothetical question could be advanced. Was the decisive battle of the Civil War fought over the right of secession, the abolition of slavery, or just over pairs of boots?

Allan Colbert

Although this was most likely a daily trivia story in this newspaper, it begs the question, "Why has this myth of a shoe supply persisted?" Up until the recent construction of a Nike Shoe "Factory" at a local outlet, there never was such a shoe factory in Gettysburg. So, where did this story come from?

Many historians argue that Confederate Gen. Henry Heth concocted this story as an excuse to hide his own errors leading up to the battle. Heth had been ordered by Lee not to bring on a fight, at least until the army was forced together. Heth did the exact opposite when he moved his entire division towards Gettysburg. Rather than finding shoes, the southerners found Union Gen. John Buford's cavalry awaiting them. Henry Heth argued that he was only seeking shoes for his footsore boys and he didn't mean to start this fight. If this were true, why did he take an entire division just to confiscate some shoes?

For as much as I admire Heth and his colorful military record, I have a hard time believing his story. First of all, Confederate forces under John Gordon had already marched through Gettysburg on June 26, several days before the battle, and found no shoes. Although there were a dozen or so cobblers and cordwainers in town at that time, these businesses hardly would have had enough shoes to supply thousands of men. In fact, Gordon's men held the town for ransom, which included a demand for 1,500 shoes. They didn't find any. Further southern intelligence suggested that there was no evidence of shoes in the area. For as much as many needed footwear, they weren't going to find any in Gettysburg. In Mechanicsburg however, one shoe salesman had his entire stock raided and was left with nothing more than $4,000 in useless Confederate currency.

As the old saying goes, those who yell the loudest are heard the clearest. Perhaps Heth simply defended his actions better than his contemporary critics did in denouncing them. Regardless of this, the Gettysburg shoe myth has had historians rolling their eyes for a century or more. Maybe this story keeps coming up simply because it is an entertaining tale. "The greatest battle in the Western Hemisphere began over a pile of shoes." Now that sounds intriguing! Clearly, famed people such as Ken Burns thought so since he included this in his masterpiece The Civil War. I suppose that is when this myth really skyrocketed into American consciousness. I suppose, in the end, maybe this story has done more good than harm. After all, such human interest stories (whether true or not) are what draw people to Gettysburg time and time again. Those darn shoes...

Gettysburg Address in Guinness Book?

2009-01-29T13:27:00.003-05:00

Guinness World Record Could be Broken on Lincoln's Birthday
Wednesday, January 28, 2009 9:46 PM CST
By Jason Nevel
jason.nevel@lee.net

SPRINGFIELD -- One of the most recognizable speeches Abraham Lincoln ever gave could make the Guinness Book of World Records for number of people simultaneously reading from the same document.

On the 200th anniversary of the 16th president’s birthday, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum in Springfield is attempting to get more than 223,363 people to read “The Gettysburg Address” in unison. The reading will occur Feb. 12 at 9:30 a.m.

The old record was organized by Waldenbooks throughout its stores nationwide, said David Blanchette, spokesman for the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. The idea of reading “The Gettysburg Address” was already planned, but Blanchette said he wanted to up the ante.

“I decided why don’t we pursue a world record,” he said.

The reading will be done via live Web cast on www.presidentlincoln.org. Forms to participate in the reading can be accessed through the Web site beginning Friday. The information received from the forms will be used to determine if the record is broken.

“We’re hoping anyone that does attempt the record fills out the form and sends them to us,” Blanchette said. “It’s going to be a long process of documenting people who did this.”

President Barack Obama has been invited to attend the bicentennial celebration, but Blanchette said the president would not be able to participate in the reading. Obama has not verified if he will be coming to Springfield.

Well, this isn't something I expected for the Lincoln Bicentennial. Nearly a quarter-million people is a lot of readers! We'll see if they pull it off.

David Wills House Museum

2009-01-26T18:34:00.002-05:00

I just recently found this brief overview of the soon-to-be opened David Wills House in Gettysburg. Wills was an attorney during the time of the battle and was largely responsible for the creation of the National Cemetery there. His home was the site of much preparation for the cemetery and its dedication in November 1863. President Lincoln resided there the night before he delivered the Gettysburg Address. It is said he put the finishing touches on the document in the home that night. This overview gives a description of each museum gallery as well as some history concerning the structure and town. The museum will open on Lincoln's 200th birthday.