People

When one hears the name “Strong Vincent,” association is often made with the desperate fight of a brigade destined to claim the life of one promising 26-year old on the slopes of Little Round Top. Remarked upon in his times by many for his critical role in helping to preserve the Union left, General Meade recommended him for promotion to Brigadier General that evening. Yet, outside the arcane circle of those who share our interest, his example is infrequently remembered.

Sarah Ruth never knew for certain what happened to her son, Amos, at Gettysburg. Her efforts to secure a pension opened anew the wounds and heartache of losing a son in battle. Like so many others, Amos Ruth was likely killed and buried as an unknown, though his family would never receive that closure they so desperately sought.

While best remembered as the Confederate general who sparked the Battle of Gettysburg, Henry Heth was a career army man who spent many a year on the American frontier. Discover more about his life and army service prior to the Civil War.

The line between freedom and slavery in antebellum Gettysburg was remarkably thin. Slaveholders frequently crossed the border in pursuit of freedom seekers and free people of color who could pass as fugitives. Catherine “Kitty” Payne and her children, Eliza, Mary, and James, were a legally emancipated family living in Adams County, Pennsylvania, when Samuel Maddox, Jr., had them seized as enslaved peoples in July 1845.

When one thinks of councils of war and decision making at Gettysburg, the mind immediately jumps to the famous council held at General George Meade's headquarters late on July 2, during which multiple generals gathered in the small home of Lydia Leister, making decisions that ultimately helped shape the nation. Yet, this was not the only Council of War General Meade held at Gettysburg; another one took place on July 4.

General John Henry Hobart Ward left behind not only a written record of his military accomplishment, but also a physical record in the form of uniforms, weapons, and accoutrements that are now part of the artifact collection at Gettysburg National Military Park. Please explore some of the artifacts of one of Gettysburg’s career soldiers.

Lieutenant Alonso Cushing commanded Battery A of the 4th United States Artillery during the Battle of Gettysburg. Despite being wounded, and under intense enemy fire, Lt. Cushing persisted in defending the Federal position during Pickett's Charge on July 3, 1863. Cushing was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor in 2014.