Several descendants of Michigan Brigade soldiers and other interested persons donated money to acquire a small piece of land at Hunterstown and erect one of the country's newest Civil War monuments. This marble slab and bronze relief is dedicated to Brig. Gen. George Armstrong Custer, who led the Michigan Brigade (the "Michigan Wolverines") into action at Hunterstown against the troops of Wade Hampton III of the Confederate cavalry during the Gettysburg Campaign.
Custer was nearly killed during the Battle of Hunterstown; fast action by his bugler Norvell Chamberlain may have saved his life (Chamberlain's descendants contributed to this new memorial stone and are recognized on the back in the list of contributors).
This monument was dedicated yesterday, July 2, 2008, on the 145th anniversary of the Battle of Hunterstown and the concurrent Battle of Gettysburg (some historians consider Hunterstown to be an extension of the larger battle at Gettysburg).
Now to save this old Civil War battlefield for future generations (too bad the ugly power plant spoils the pastoral viewshed).
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