The Final Resting place of the Gettysburg Commanders: A List of the Gravesites of the Corps, Division, Brigade, and Regimental Commanders Who Served at Gettysburg
119 pp; bibliography, softcover, 2007. Heritage Books, 65 East Main St., Westminster, MD 21157-5026, $18.50 plus shipping. This slim volume, compiled by a former Gettysburg National Military Park ranger, is a listing of burial places of those at regimental command level and above, as well as senior staff officers in both the Army of the Potomac and the Army of Northern Virginia. Where known, the actual cemetery is noted, otherwise the city or county is listed. On those where the location is unknown to the author, he lists the date and place of death if known. (For example, the 142nd Pennsylvania’s Col. Richard P. Cummins is buried in Somerset Cemetery in the town and county of the same name in Pennsylvania.) Bishop asks readers to send him information they might have to complete the listings A check-off box is provided with each entry to allow readers to note which gravesites they have visited. While several reference works list grave sites for Civil War commanders, this volume specifically targets those who fought at Gettysburg. The book would have been enhanced with photographs or engravings of individuals listed or perhaps more biographical information, especially in light of its price tag. Another suggestion would be appendices grouping individuals by cemetery or town of burial to aid “cemetery troopers.” Reviewer: Kenneth D. Williams is writing a book on the 11th Pennsylvania Volunteers and is doing doctoral level work in American history. He has worked as a park ranger at Gettysburg National Military Park and Eisenhower National Historic Site. |
