Think back to the first time you ever heard about the Civil War. Was it in school reading a textbook? Was it a field trip to Gettysburg Battlefield? Was it a “history buff” family member that was more than a little enthusiastic to tell you about the great war that divided the United States? Chances are, it wasn’t in a setting that made you want to explore and learn more. In reality, it was most likely in a classroom, where you found the teacher a little boring and war just another uninteresting part of American History. Tonight, and through this book club, we are going to change your perception of the past and bring the Civil War to life.
Unbeknownst to many who call Shippensburg home, our town actually played quite an interesting role in the saga that is the Civil War. Not only will the people of Shippensburg help to shape history, but the town itself will make history. Men will eagerly enlist to help fight for the Union cause. The town itself will become one of the very few Northern towns to not only see battle, but to fall to Confederate forces. Throughout our book club you will get to know these soldiers and the people from Shippensburg on a personal level. Who were these men from …show more content…
Kelso, along with other members of Cumberland, York, and surrounding counties became Company D of the 130th Regiment. Kelso’s home is still standing on King Street in Shippensburg where he lived with his wife and children. He joined the Union in their cause on August 4th, 1862. This regiment fought in the Battle of Antietam and due to their service, the National Park Service erected a monument to mark their position in the right line of battle. Kelso’s time with the 130th regiment only lasted nine months; however that was all he needed to solidify his place within the history of Shippensburg,