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: June 2010
105 years ago — the fight to commemorate the Battle of Hanover
At the start of the 20th century, political disputes clouded the efforts to erect a suitable memorial to the June 30, 1863 Battle of Hanover (which was fought 147 years ago today in southwestern York County, Pennsylvania). Perhaps if Hanover’s … Continue reading
In the Footsteps of J.E.B. Stuart – Fitz Lee’s brigade raids farms near Wellsville PA
Thousands of dusty Confederate cavalrymen from Virginia passed this old farm near Wellsville, Pennsylvania, on the afternoon of June 30, 1863, during the Gettysburg Campaign. The veteran brigade of Brig. Gen. Fitzhugh Lee, accompanied by famed Maj. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart, … Continue reading
147 years ago today in York County PA – June 28, 1863
Bradley Schmehl’s painting depicting the burning of the Columbia-Wrightsville Bridge on June 28, 1863, by Union militia to prevent the Confederates from crossing the rain-swollen Susquehanna River. Used by written permission under license. Sunday dawned bright and early on June … Continue reading
Posted in Gettysburg Campaign, Wrightsville, York
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147 years ago today in York County PA – June 27, 1863
Lt. Col. Elijah V. White, 35th Battalion, Virginia Cavalry, CSA. The conqueror of Hanover Junction, PA during the Gettysburg Campaign after chasing away the defending 20th Pennsylvania Volunteer Militia. Maj. Gen. Jubal Early’s veteran Confederate division, one of the hardest … Continue reading
Posted in Gettysburg Campaign, Hanover Junction, York
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A Columbia-Wrightsville bridge burner speaks!
The Columbia Historic Preservation Society operates a small museum on 2nd Street in downtown Columbia, Pennsylvania. Once considered as a possible site for the U.S. capital before Washington, D.C., Columbia is a historic town on the eastern bank of the … Continue reading
Posted in Gettysburg Campaign, Wrightsville
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UPDATED 2010 Speaking Schedule and Personal Appearances
Civil War author Scott L. Mingus, Sr. at a recent book signing at the annual Whitehall Civil War Days at Camp Geiger in Whitehall Township, Pennsylvania. Here is an updated list of my personal appearances and book signings / PowerPoint … Continue reading
One-tank road trip: Easton, PA Civil War monument
This past Saturday we visited the Crayola Factory in Easton, Pennsylvania, so my two little grandsons could enjoy the interactive exhibits, as well as the fascinating National Canal Museum (which is terrific for children!). This was our first visit to … Continue reading
Posted in Monuments and markers, One-tank road trips
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One tank road trip: Whitehall Civil War Days
Part of the Mingus clan spent a delightful Saturday June 12 at the annual Whitehall Civil War Days at Camp Geiger in Whitehall Township, PA (near Allentown). There were perhaps 500-600 reenactors present in three camps (Union, CSA, and civilian), … Continue reading
Posted in Confederates, One-tank road trips, Yankees
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Virginia soldier describes invading York PA during the Gettysburg Campaign
Downtown York, Pennsylvania, before the Civil War. York was the largest town in the North to fall to the Confederate army during the entire war. This illustration is a detail taken from an old book about York. (Author’s collection). Jim … Continue reading
2010 Gettysburg Anniversary Battlewalks
Veteran National Park Service Ranger and author Troy Harman speaks to an enthusiastic crowd during his outstanding 2008 battlewalk of the seldom visited, seldom discussed fight on Brinkerhoff’s Ridge along Hanover Road (Route 116) between the main Gettysburg Battlefield and … Continue reading
