Battle of Hunterstown facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Hunterstown
Part of the American Civil War
Date July 2, 1863 Location Beaverdam Creek near Hunterstown, Pennsylvania Result Draw
Belligerents
USA (Union)	CSA (Confederacy)
Commanders and leaders
George Armstrong Custer	Wade Hampton

The Battle of Hunterstown was a small fight during the American Civil War. It happened near Hunterstown, Pennsylvania, on July 2, 1863. In this battle, cavalry (soldiers on horseback) from the Confederate side, led by Wade Hampton, fought against Union cavalry led by George Armstrong Custer and Elon J. Farnsworth. The Confederates eventually pulled back, making the battle a draw.

Why the Battle Happened

On the morning of July 2, 1863, the Union forces were set up near Gettysburg. They had cavalry units spread out to protect their sides and to look for Confederate soldiers. They were especially looking for the famous Confederate cavalry leader, J.E.B. Stuart.

Stuart arrived at General Robert E. Lee's headquarters around noon. About an hour later, Wade Hampton's tired cavalry brigade also arrived. Stuart told Hampton to take a position that would protect the back-left side of the Confederate battle lines.

Hampton moved his soldiers to the Hunterstown Road, about four miles northeast of Gettysburg. This position helped block any Union forces that might try to go around behind Lee's army. Later that afternoon, two Union cavalry brigades, led by George Armstrong Custer and Elon J. Farnsworth, were exploring the area to find the end of the Confederate lines.

The Fight at Hunterstown

Custer's soldiers met Hampton's forces on the road between Hunterstown and Gettysburg. As Custer led a charge with his Company A, 6th Michigan Cavalry, against the Confederate rear guard, his horse was wounded and fell. Custer also fell, but his orderly, Norvell F. Churchill, quickly saved him.

Hampton wanted to make the fight bigger. He moved most of his brigade onto a ridge, ready to charge Custer's position. Just then, Elon Farnsworth arrived with his own brigade, bringing more Union soldiers to the scene.

Because more Union soldiers had arrived, Hampton decided not to attack further. Instead, the two sides exchanged artillery fire (cannons shooting at each other) until it got dark. When night fell, Hampton's forces pulled back and moved towards Gettysburg.

What Happened After

The area where this battle took place is sometimes called "North Cavalry Field." It is northeast of the main Gettysburg Battlefield and is currently owned by private citizens. There is a power plant located there today.

In the small village of Hunterstown, there is a plaque that remembers this battle. On July 2, 2008, a special marble monument was put up and dedicated to honor George Armstrong Custer at the battle site.