Did a group of Centre County citizens walk to Gettysburg and back to serve in the Civil War? Oral tradition suggests they did, and they have gone unrecognized for 160 years. A group of local historians and citizens want to correct the record.

Family lore and local newspaper articles reference a group of citizens from Pine Grove Mills and Graysville who served as part of the 46th Pennsylvania Volunteer Emergency Militia Company A. They officially mustered in on June 30, 1863 in Huntingdon Co, and "marched double-time," arriving in Gettysburg July 2, 1863. They mustered out August 18, 1863 and walked home, the distance reported as 120 to 127 miles.

Evidence suggests that they served at Camp Letterman General Hospital, the first general hospital located on a battlefield. It was comprised of tents instead of buildings and set up to treat over 4,000 Union and Confederate soldiers who were too seriously wounded to be moved to a traditional hospital. This local group of Civil War Veterans were never granted veterans status, received no pension and many are not flagged or marked at their gravesite.

This informal discussion and slide show will be led by the Milesburg Museum and Historical Society, and The Ladies of the Grand Army of the Republic Department of Pennsylvania, who are currently researching and documenting these claims. Several descendants from 46th Co. A, 1863 Emergency Militia will also be on hand.

Help will be needed from many to support the effort to get recognition for this group of Veterans with unrecognized service. Photos and stories from your family tree regarding participation in the 46th Co. A, 1863 Emergency Militia would be a very exciting addition to their research!

This event will be held in our upstairs dining room. Doors open at 6pm and the presentation begins at 7pm. Our current dinner menu will be available all evening.

This is a FREE event, but please purchase a ticket to reserve a table and so we can properly prepare.

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