The "A Local Holiday Hero" Story

Major General John F. Reynolds

It was an ordinary guy.  For days I have been bombarded with information on TV about the 150th  anniversary of The Battle of Gettysburg, since the town of Gettysburg is only about 40 minutes from my house.  One of the heroes of this Civil War battle is a local man by the name of John F. Reynolds.  He was born in Lancaster, PA in 1820.  Educated in nearby Lititz, PA before being appointed to The US Military Academy in 1837.  Graduated 26th in his class in 1841 and was commissioned a brevet second lieutenant in the 3rd U.S. Artillery.  He became one of the most influential soldiers in the Civil War, gaining rank of  Major General.  He was the commander for the Army of the Potomac's I Corps and fought in Battles of Second Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville and Gettysburg.  He directed the left wing of the Army as it approached Gettysburg to support Gen. John Buford's hard-pressed cavalry troopers.  

Etching depicting the shooting of Reynolds

 While posting elements of the famed "Iron Brigade" on July 1, 1863 he was shot in the neck and instantly killed in a Confederate volley.  He was the first and highest ranking General to die in The Battle of Gettysburg.  His body was immediately transported to Taneytown, Maryland, then to Lancaster where he was buried on July 4, 1863 in Lancaster Cemetery.  He is one of Lancaster's most famous military heroes.  I recently made a visit to the cemetery and located and photographed his grave site and monument.  On this monumental day I would like to share with you this story and the photos of his grave site.  Happy 4th of July.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.

Monument in Lancaster Cemetery with additional marker in front of the monument.

The marker in front of the monument says: Erected by the Independent Battery I PA Light Artillery & the Lancaster County Historical Society 1989

The inscription on the monument is badly worn.  I tired to enhance and sharpen the wording.  Click on the photo to enlarge it and you may be able to read most of the inscription.

A small wreath was sitting next to General Reynolds' monument.  It had wording on it in gold letters. 

Side view of monument.

In another area of the Lancaster Cemetery there was a circle of graves and a cannon which bore this inscription:   Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War -  General George H. Thomas, Camp No. 19 - Lancaster, Penna. - Fraternity, Charity, and Loyalty