During the Civil War, Philadelphia raised over 50 infantry and cavalry regiments, and its manufacturers made uniforms, weapons and warships for the war effort. The city also hosted the two largest military hospitals in the country to care for the sick and wounded.
Philadelphia sent at least twelve generals off to fight for the Union (and one who chose to fight for the Confederacy!) The most famous of these generals, George Gordon Meade, was given command of the Army of the Potomac on Sunday, June 28, 1863, and three days later led his army to victory in the largest, and most decisive, battle of the war – Gettysburg. Fellow Pennsylvanian generals Winfield Scott Hancock and John Gibbon turned back Pickett’s Charge during that battle. The other Philadelphia generals served with varying degrees of success.
Arch Hunter will look at a few who stood out, and will discuss their leadership and
contributions during the war. Arch Hunter is a long time history teacher at Marple Newtown High School, and the descendant of settlers in Newtown reaching back to the time of William Penn. Make sure you do your homework! He welcomes questions and audience participation.
All programs are held at the Dunwoody Village auditorium, 3500 West Chester Pike, Newtown Square, PA 19073 beginning at 7:00 p.m. Admission is free. Refreshments are served. Come out and meet your history minded neighbors and learn and be entertained!
Photo at searching4meade.com
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