Gettysburg College

Historic Gettysburg College

Founding and early roots

Gettysburg College was founded in 1832 as a sister institution for the Lutheran Theological Seminary. Both owe their inception to Thaddeus Stevens, a radical Republican and abolitionist. The college's original name was Pennsylvania College.

Related Topics:
1832 - Lutheran Theological Seminary - Thaddeus Stevens - Republican - Abolition

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Battle of Gettysburg

In June of 1863, southern Pennsylvania was invaded by Confederate forces during the Gettysburg Campaign. Many local militia forces sprung up around the area between Chambersburg and Philadelphia to face the oncoming foe.

Related Topics:
1863 - Confederate - Gettysburg Campaign - Militia - Chambersburg - Philadelphia

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Among these units was Gettysburg's 26th Pennsylvania Emergency Militia Regiment (PEMR). Comprising mostly students from the College and Seminary, the 26th PEMR was mustered into service on June 22, 1863. Four days later, the students would fight just to the north of town, skirmishing with troops of Confederate division commander Jubal A. Early. Neither side sustained heavy casualties, although around one hundred of the militiamen were taken captive.

Related Topics:
June 22 - 1863 - Division - Jubal A. Early

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During the Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania Hall, or Old Dorm, was used as both a signal corps station and field hospital. Penn Hall is an interesting anomaly in the battle. Due to the geographic position it held, it was used by both Confederate and Union troops during the battle for signal work and surgery.

Related Topics:
Battle of Gettysburg - Signal corps - Field hospital - Union

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