Battles & Campaigns · 1863
Battle of Hunterstown
Hunterstown, Pennsylvania, USA
What happened
During the Battle of Gettysburg, Hampton's brigade was posted on the Hunterstown Road to stop any Union move behind Lee's lines. Custer's men clashed with Hampton's rear guard, and Custer led a charge in which his horse fell and his orderly, Norvell F. Churchill, helped him escape. When Farnsworth arrived, Hampton did not press a larger attack, and the two sides exchanged artillery fire until dark.
Why it matters
The fight was a draw. Hampton's position guarded the back of the Confederate army on its left side.
What came next
Hampton withdrew toward Gettysburg at nightfall, and the main battle continued the next day.
Did you know?
A marble monument to Custer was dedicated at Hunterstown on 2 July 2008.
Timeline
- 1–3 Jul 1863Battle of Gettysburg.
- 2 Jul 1863Battle of Hunterstown.
- 2 Jul 2008A monument to Custer is dedicated.