About this blog
Scott L. Mingus, Sr. is a scientist and executive in the paper and printing industry, as well as the author of several books and magazine articles on the Civil War, including some that deal primarily with York County during the Gettysburg Campaign.
This Cannonball blog presents stories and anecdotes from the war years, as well as announcing local Civil War events of the modern day.
Send all questions, news items, and suggestions to scottmingus@yahoo.com.
Monthly Archives: August 2007
The human cost of war
The 27th Pennsylvania Volunteer Militia was hastily raised in the mountainous region northwest of Harrisburg to serve for “the duration of the present emergency” during Lee’s invasion of Pennsylvania in June 1863. The regiment was filled with starry-eyed volunteers who … Continue reading
Posted in Gettysburg Campaign
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The Howard Tunnel during the Gettysburg Campaign
A recent York Town Square blog entry by Jim McClure regarding the Howard Tunnel prompted me to write about the venerable tunnel’s Civil War history. Jim tells a little about the overall history of this impressive passageway, through which the … Continue reading
Posted in Hanover Junction, Railroads
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The General and the German widow
Courtesy of the York Daily Record and fellow blogger Jim McClure’s entry on the York Town Blog. Major General Jubal A. Early led a powerful division of Confederate infantry, artillery, and scattered cavalry elements into York County in late June … Continue reading
Posted in Civilians, Confederates, Gettysburg Campaign, Other places
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Fire on the Conewago!
On June 28, 1863, a veteran Confederate division under Major General Jubal Early entered York County with the goal of driving off local militia defenders and holding York for ransom. Near Weiglestown, Early dispatched Colonel William French with most of … Continue reading
Posted in Gettysburg Campaign, Railroads, York Haven
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A Baltimore ruse
During the early days of the rebellion, the border state of Maryland was divided in loyalty, with almost as many Southern sympathizers as Unionists in places. The Federal government moved quickly to maintain control, arresting large numbers of openly secessionist … Continue reading
Posted in Uncategorized
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York’s U.S. Army Hospital
During the Civil War, Penn Park was the site of a regionally important U.S. Army Hospital, a sprawling complex of multiple wards, outbuildings, support structures, and a mortuary. A relief map depicting the camp’s general layout can be seen on … Continue reading
Posted in Yankees, York
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Artillery tubes placed at Hanover Junction
The tiny hamlet of Hanover Junction in southern York County is perhaps best known today as a stop on the Rail Trail, with restrooms, parking, and shade. During the Civil War, it played an important role as both a railroad … Continue reading
Posted in Hanover Junction, Monuments and markers
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Tree-cutting at Gettysburg Battlefield
Historians, preservationists, history buffs and military strategists applaud it. Environmentalists and so-called “tree-huggers” abhor it. Perhaps nothing in recent times at the Gettysburg National Military Park (with the possible exception of the demolition of the National Tower a decade ago) … Continue reading
Posted in Gettysburg battlefield
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Upcoming Civil War event in Lancaster County
The 19th annual Lancaster County Historical Society’s Civil War Weekend will be held September 14, 15, and 16, 2007, on the grounds of the society. This year’s featured speaker is author Tom Huntington, who will present a talk on the … Continue reading
Posted in Civil War events
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A Tiger gets what a tiger wants
During the few days in the early summer of 1863 that the Confederate army passed through Pennsylvania, many residents of Franklin, Adams, and York counties had a chance to interact with some of the Confederacy’s most colorful characters (and among … Continue reading
Posted in Civilians, Confederates, Gettysburg Campaign
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