NEWS RELEASE
Issued June 27, 2003 For immediate release

Contact: Larry Keener-Farley
Email:
Telephone: 717-260-1861
Website: www.nationalcivilwarmuseum.org


Adversaries Reunited After 140 Years

Harrisburg, Pa. -- After one hundred and forty years, two old Civil War adversaries have come together again at The National Civil War Museum for a special exhibit “Gettysburg Revisited.”

On the hot afternoon of July 3, 1863, the men of the 9th Virginia Infantry waited anxiously along Gettysburg’s Seminary Ridge for the order to attack the Union lines for what would prove to be the third and final day of fighting. A mile away on Cemetery Ridge, the men of the Philadelphia Brigade crouched behind a low stonewall and prepared to receive the inevitable onslaught of Confederates they knew was coming.

The air was ripe with the smoke of cannon fire. The artillery of both sides had been firing for more than an hour. When the cannonade stopped, the Virginians rose from their positions, marching steadily onward, following their Battle Flag across the field in what is now called Pickett’s Charge. The Pennsylvanians manning the wall were determined to stop the oncoming Confederates. Their commander, Brigadier General Alexander Webb, stood by his Headquarters Flag and braced for the attack.

As the Confederate line neared the wall, part of Gen. Webb’s men fell back. Desperately, he tried to rally his men as the Virginians and the Battle Flag of the 9th Virginia climbed atop and over the wall. For a brief time amidst the vicious fighting, the 9th Virginia’s flag and the Philadelphia Brigade Flag were within a scant few yards of one another. The Pennsylvanians held their ground, the Confederate attack stalled and yielded to the Philadelphians. Pickett’s Charge, that final desperate act of the campaign failed and the Union Army prevailed at the Battle of Gettysburg.

Our nation today stands united with one flag as a symbol of the meaning of liberty and democracy. It is a symbol that is steeped in honor and tradition from the men and women who have served in our several conflicts to preserve and honor a reunited nation. These are remembrances and symbols of the North and the South, Americans all, who fought the ultimate, most desperate of battles.

For the first time since 1863, the flags of Gen. Webb and the 9th Virginia are together again, presented in a solemn exhibition at The National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. These tattered symbols hang honorably, within a few feet of each other. These flags no longer serve as symbols of active armies nor do they lead men into battle. Instead, they serve to remind us of those who came before, the men and boys, who fought then and fight now for the flags of our nation.

These rare vestiges of the past are presented in partnership and cooperation of America’s premier museums and collections. Gen. Webb’s Headquarters Flag was loaned for the exhibit by the Union League of Philadelphia, Pa., and the 9th Virginia Infantry Flag was loaned by the Museum of the Confederacy in Richmond, Va. The two flags are only a small part of the “Gettysburg Revisited” exhibit now at The National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg. The exhibit takes a much different look at the 1863 Confederate invasion of Pennsylvania, focusing on the attacks on Carlisle, Wrightsville, and Mechanicsburg as obstacles to General Robert E. Lee’s ultimate objective, the state capital at Harrisburg.

The exhibit unfolds day-by-day, beginning on June 26 providing local insights into the battle that was the high water mark of the Confederacy. Fine art from the Pennsylvania State Museum and never before seen rarities from the Collection of The National Civil War Museum complement loaned items. The exhibit is made possible in part by support from The Institute of Museum and Library Services by an Act of Congress.

Highlights of the exhibit include:

Recruiting posters and public announcements, calling on Pennsylvanians to defend their state against the Rebel invasion.

Col. William Jennings’ commission, signed by Pennsylvania Gov. Andrew Curtin. Jennings led the 26th Pennsylvania Emergency Militia against Confederate Gen. Gordon’s Brigade in the “First Battle of Gettysburg” on June 26, 1863.

Presentation sword given to Capt. Henry Landis, who commanded the Philadelphia Artillery Battery in the defense of Harrisburg. The sword is engraved with “Sporting Hill,” the northernmost engagement of the Gettysburg Campaign that took place within six miles of Harrisburg.

Uniform coat of Captain Charles Merritt Ives of the 23rd New York State Militia, who participated in the skirmishes at Camp Hill and Carlisle. Ives is better known for his partnership with Nathaniel Currier and their printing firm, Currier and Ives.

Original oil paintings depicting the Battle of Gettysburg by Don Troiani, “For God’s Sake Forward” and Hampton’s Duel”.

Limber chest made at the Tredegar Works in Richmond that was abandoned on the field.

Medal of Honor awarded to Edward L. Gilligan of the 88th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry for capturing the flag of the 23rd North Carolina Infantry.

Uniform coat of Brig. Gen. George S. Greene, the defender of Culp’s Hill.

Oil painting by Peter Rothermel depicting the fighting in Devil’s Den, one of the series he painted for the Pennsylvania State Legislature to commemorate the battle, loaned by the Pennsylvania State Museum.

Letter from Col. Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain to his wife describing the Battle of Gettysburg.

The Headquarters Flag of Brig. Gen. John Caldwell, commanding the 1st Division of the 2nd Army Corps of the Union Army of the Potomac.

Civilian sack coat worn by one of the contractors responsible for the reburial of the dead in the National Cemetery at Gettysburg.

The “Gettysburg Revisited” exhibit was generously funded grants from the Institute for Museum and Library Services by an Act of Congress, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, the North American Railway Foundation, the Josiah W. and Betty H. Kline Foundation, and the John Crain Kunkel Foundation.

The “Gettysburg Revisited” exhibit will remain open through December. The National Civil War Museum is located in Reservoir Park in Harrisburg. Admission to the Museum is $7.00 for adults, with reduced rates for children, seniors and families. For more information, telephone 717-260-1861 or visit www.nationalcivilwarmuseum.org.