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: July 2011
York volunteer soldiers helped guard Harrisburg during the Gettysburg Campaign
In the early stages of the Gettysburg Campaign, many Pennsylvanians believed the only danger would come from Confederate guerrilla raiding parties, such as that shown above. Little did most residents know that the Army of North Virginia was coming. In … Continue reading
Posted in Gettysburg Campaign, Yankees, York
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Jacob Huber farm was Rebel artillery position during the Skirmish of Wrightsville
The Skirmish of Wrightsville was one of the largest military engagements in the history of York County, Pennsylvania, at least in terms of the number of soldiers engaged. On Sunday evening, June 28, 1863, more than 2,000 veteran Confederate soldiers … Continue reading
Famed historian Ed Bearss and friends tour Wrightsville with YCHT tour guide
Historian Ed Bearss (left in the red shirt) is an American treasure. Wounded as a Marine in the South Pacific in WWII, he later became the chief historian of the National Park Service and the leading authority on the Vicksburg … Continue reading
Posted in Gettysburg Campaign, Wrightsville
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York, Pa. plans Civil War 150th Anniversary Events Aug. 17-21
The official Pennsylvania 150 Civil War Road Show (shown above at the Visitors Center at the Gettysburg National Military Park) will be visiting York, Pa. in August. York, Pennsylvania, has a long and storied history. Delegates to the Continental Congress … Continue reading
Posted in Civil War events, Civilians, Confederates, Yankees, York, York CWRT
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York County Soldiers: Conrad Zilch, 166th Pennsylvania
One of the most gratifying things for me as a Civil War buff is to receive e-mails from fellow descendants of the soldiers. I had several ancestors serve in the Union army from Ohio and West Virginia, including my great-great-grandfather … Continue reading
Posted in Yankees, York
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One-tank trips: Manassas – Part 1
Manassas National Battlefield Park is a leisurely drive from my home in York, Pennsylvania, down U.S. Route 15 from Gettysburg. It is one of several battlefields readily accessible from that highway, including Gettysburg, Monocacy, Antietam, Ball’s Bluff, Manassas, Brandy Station, … Continue reading
Posted in Battlefields, One-tank road trips
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My Best Friend, Abe Lincoln – new children’s book available
Abraham Lincoln has been the subject of hundreds of books, ranging from various biographies to analyses of his speeches, his assassination, his religious beliefs, his political genius, and his conduct of the Civil War. He remains a fascinating character who … Continue reading
Posted in Books, Lincoln
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Rail fire 150 years ago burned U.S. Army horses near Hanover Junction
One of the dangers of rail travel in the mid-19th century was the worry about sparks from the locomotives’ smokestacks. While most funnels were high enough to throw any burning embers or sparks into the sky without serious danger, occasionally … Continue reading
Posted in Hanover Junction, Railroads
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Human Interest Stories of the Civil War: Part 1
Scott L. Mingus, Jr. and Dr. Thomas M. Mingus have written an interesting collection of true incidents, anecdotes, and human interest stories from the American Civil War. The authors both hold masters degrees in history and have had a life-long … Continue reading
Posted in Books
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York County soldier received Medal of Honor 52 years after Civil War deeds
Charles Henry Ilgenfritz was a 27-year-old millwright living in York County, Pennsylvania, in the summer of 1864. His voice is one that will be included in the second volume of Civil War Voices from York County, Pennsylvania, by authors James … Continue reading
Posted in Yankees, York
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