One of my favorite pastimes is the study of history, particularly the era of the American Civil War.  I also enjoy doing battlefield photography, so I get to combine two of my personal loves.

You may not realize this, but Lancaster PA was a hub of activity during the Civil War.  Many local volunteers served in Union regiments and the city itself hosted numerous troop-and-fund-raising activities for the duration of the conflict.  The Fulton Opera House, for example, served as an armory and temporary headquarters for a locally-raised army unit, and a room upstairs was used by the ladies to sew uniforms and other clothing needs.  The Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge was a focal point during the Gettysburg campaign when Jubal Early’s confederates almost took the bridge a threatened to invade Lancaster – but that’s as far as they got because the bridge was burned.

One local story was that of Major General John Fulton Reynolds (like the middle name? – named after Robert Fulton of local fame perhaps).  Reynolds was born right in downtown Lancaster in 1820 and went into West Point after being nominated by James Buchanan of Lancaster (future 15th President).  He was a career officer who served in the Mexican-American war, as did many of the officers later to lead armies against each other in the Civil War.

Reynolds served the US Army in various conflicts in the far west leading up to the Civil War.  At the outreak of the war he was promoted to Brigadier General and served gallantly with the Army of the Potomac, rising to command the entire First Corps of the army.  Just prior to the Gettysburg campaign in June 1863, President Abraham Lincoln offered him command of the army itself.  Reynolds refused unless he could have a free hand in running the army, without political entanglements that were rife at that time.  Lincoln could not agree to his terms, and the command opportunity passed from Reynolds (ah, what could have happened had he accepted?).

At Gettysburg a few short weeks later, Reynolds was the first Union Corps commander to ride onto the developing battlefield on the first day (July 1, 1863).  He rallied disorganized Union troops who had succeeded in holding the larger Confederate force at bay, but were beginning to lose ground.  Reynolds no doubt saw the tactical situation in a glance and was ready to fight, but was shot from his horse and killed instantly.  His soldiers held long enough to force a second day of battle at Gettysburg, where the tide turned against the south.

Reynolds’ body was returned to Lancaster where he is buried today.  There are 3 monuments of John F. Reynolds  at the Gettysburg National Military Park.  He is truly a Lancaster native who made a national impact in his life.

For more Information about Lancaster, PA and it’s role in the American Civil War check out Ron Young’s Excellent website here.