Category: Blog
Joseph Latimer and Benner’s Hill
April 8, 2025Joseph Latimer and Benner’s Hill
Joseph Latimer was Born on August 27th, 1843, in Prince William County Virginia. Latimer would go on to study at the Virginia Military Institute (V.M.I). During the beginning of the American Civil War Latimer would first serve as Cadet Drill Master for the Richmond Hampden Artillery. In the fall of 1861, he would be promoted to first lieutenant and would see action with Richard Ewells Division in the Shenandoah Valley Campaign 0f 1862. In March of 1863 he would be promoted to major at just 19 years old. Known for his small stature and young age the major was often called “The Boy Major” by men within the division.
Benner’s Hill is a small rise about 1,400 yards northeast of Cemetery Hill. At the time of the battle the crest of the hill was open with corn and wheat being grown on the hill. The hill was part of Christian and Susan Benner’s 208-acre farm (the family lived closer to Wolf’s Hill). On the first day of the battle the 35th Virginia Battalion of Cavalry would report Union forces near the hill. These forces would play a factor in delaying Richard Ewell on the evening of July 1st.
On the morning of July 2nd Major Latimer would ride along the Confederate left looking for a platform to allow his batteries to engage union batteries on Cemetery Hill and Culps Hill. He would eventually settle on Benner Hill his only real option. In the late afternoon the pieces of Latimer’s Battalion would open on Cemetery Hill and Culps Hill. His artillerymen would be outnumbered by the responding union pieces Benner Hill was quickly becoming a disastrous place to be. The 1 ½ hour duel would begin to tear apart Latimer’s guns. Near dusk some brigades of Major General Edward Allegheny Johnson would march through Latimer’s remaining guns on their way to Culps Hill (the guns would go quiet only for a few moments while this happens). Around this time Latimer would be struck by a piece of artillery shell that would pierce his left arm and kill his horse with the horse then pinning him to the ground. By the end of this fighting only 4 guns would remain on Benner’s hill.
The boy major would have his arm amputated and he was evacuated with the army to Winchester. Fearing the approach of the union army the confederates would move Latimer to Harrisonburg Virginia where his wound would eventually become gangrenous and he would die August 1, 1863, 3 weeks shy of his 20th birthday. The men who served with him would eventually purchase a headstone monument for his burial site. Benner’s Hill today is a quiet spot on the battlefield it is not as heavily visited as other popular spots on the battlefield but is just as packed with history as any spot on the battlefield. To reach Benner’s hill head east on York Street, continue straight onto the Hanover Road. Follow the Hanover Road and turn Right onto Latimer Avenue You are now at Benner’s Hill.
Sources
https://emergingcivilwar.com/2016/03/01/gettysburg-off-the-beaten-path-benners-hill/
https://gettysburg.stonesentinels.com/battlefield-terrain/benners-hill-terrain/
Myers, David Thomas, The Boy Major of the Confederacy, Joseph White Latimer, Sprinkle Publications, Harrisonburg, VA, 2006
Ten Things You Need to Know About Gettysburg Before Visiting the Battlefield
March 31, 2025If you’re planning a trip to Gettysburg, you probably want to make the most of your visit. Whether you’re a history buff or just curious about this pivotal battle, knowing what to expect can help you have a more meaningful experience. So, what do you need to know about Gettysburg before visiting the battlefield?
Gettysburg is more than just a battlefield—it’s a vast, 6,000-acre historic site with over 1,300 monuments, key landmarks like Little Round Top and Devil’s Den, a world-class visitor center, and multiple ways to explore, from self-guided tours to licensed battlefield guides.
But there’s more to it than just the basics. To truly appreciate Gettysburg, you need to understand what to see, when to visit, and how to experience it in a way that brings history to life.
The Strength and Bravery of Georgia Wade McClellan, Witness to the Battle of Gettysburg
March 13, 2025Georgia Wade was born July 4th, 1841, the daughter of James and Mary Wade. The oldest of six children Georgia would go to school and help earn money sewing in her fathers tailoring shop. On April 15th,1862 Georgia would marry John Louis McClellan. The couple would rent the northern side of a duplex on Baltimore Street just a few hundred yards from the Evergreen Cemetery. John Louis McClellan would volunteer to serve in the 165th Pennsylvania Volunteer infantry in 1863 (9-month Regiment). Before John would leave for the army Georgia would become pregnant with the couples first child. That child Louis Kenneth McClellan would be born on June 26th, 1863, just 5 short days before the battle of Gettysburg.
More Fascinating Facts You May Not Know About the Battle of Gettysburg
January 14, 2025At Gettysburg Battlefield Tours, we pride ourselves on our deep knowledge of the Battle of Gettysburg and its enduring legacy. But even those familiar with this pivotal event in American history may not know just how extensive its impact truly was, or be aware of its fascinating facts.
Today, we’re sharing ten more of those fascinating facts—both well-known and lesser-known—about the Battle of Gettysburg. From the battlefield’s unique scale to its lasting influence, these stories highlight just how monumental those three days in July 1863 were.
Celebrating the Holidays in Historic Gettysburg
December 11, 2024For those in search of an enjoyable holiday destination, historic Gettysburg, Pennsylvania is a wonderful place to visit at year’s end. Knowledgeable travelers seeking fun-filled holiday activities during the area’s tourism “off-season” will find plenty to do and experience during the winter months. The splendid town and surrounding area provide a full list of enjoyable holiday opportunities for winter visitors to celebrate the holidays in Historic Gettysburg.
Battlefield Highlights: The Peach Orchard – Where The Battle Converged
October 29, 2024The Battle of Gettysburg, fought from July 1 to July 3, 1863, remains one of the most significant engagements of the American Civil War.
In the many long years since that famous battle, countless modern-day visitors to the southern part of the preserved battleground have been drawn to Devil’s Den and Little Round Top — the rocky hill is a must-stop for its panoramic views, and kids love the Den’s immense boulders. As the park evolved, these sites have received a lion’s share of attention, whether through preservation efforts, interpretation, or tourism. But throughout the actual battle itself, another nearby location known as The Peach Orchard would prove to be just as important (if not more so) to the outcome of the battle than many of those other, more famous locations.
Spirits of Gettysburg: A Haunted History of the Battlefield Town
September 30, 2024Nestled in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, Gettysburg is a town steeped in history. Known primarily for the pivotal Civil War battle that took place there in 1863, it’s also become somewhat renowned for its various supposedly-haunted locations, attracting paranormal investigators as well as the spiritually curious. The turbulent events that unfolded on these grounds have left an indelible mark, and many believe the spirits of those who perished continue to roam the area, creating an eerie atmosphere that beckons to those fascinated by the supernatural. Join us as we explore the haunted history of Gettysburg, where ghostly tales abound at every corner.
Autumn in Gettysburg: Fall 2024 Essential Guide
August 21, 2024Autumn in Gettysburg offers a wealth of activities for visitors and locals alike. The town’s remarkable historical past and quaint seasonal ambiance provide a diverse array of experiences to satisfy even the most discriminating traveler. Fall is a great time to visit Gettysburg if you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or just a traveler searching for an exciting way to experience the stunning Central Pennsylvania harvest season!
Little Round Top: Steadfast Bulwark in the Defense of Gettysburg
July 29, 2024The Battle of Gettysburg, fought from July 1 to July 3, 1863, stands as one of the pivotal moments in American Civil War history. Among the numerous strategic locations within this battle, Little Round Top holds a place of particular significance. This small, rocky hill on the southern end of the battlefield became the site of intense fighting on the second day of the battle and played a crucial role in the Union Army’s ultimate victory.
12 Interesting Historical Facts About Gettysburg
June 30, 2024Picture this: you’re standing on the hallowed ground of Gettysburg, feeling the weight of history pressing down on you. But beyond the well-known stories of valor and sacrifice lies a treasure trove of lesser-known historical facts about the Battle of Gettysburg. Curious to uncover some of these hidden gems? Let’s dive in!