Freeman McGilvery facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Freeman Mcgilvery
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| Born | October 17, 1823 Prospect, Maine |
| Died | September 3, 1864 (aged 40) Henrico County Virginia |
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| Years of service | 1861-1864 |
| Rank | Colonel |
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Freeman McGilvery (born October 17, 1823 – died September 3, 1864) was a brave officer in the United States Army. He was an expert with artillery (big cannons). During the American Civil War, he became famous at the Battle of Gettysburg. He quickly put together a line of cannons that helped the Union side win.
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Early Life and Joining the War
Freeman McGilvery was born in Prospect, Maine. He loved the sea from a young age. He became a sailor and later a ship captain. When the Civil War started, he was in Brazil. He quickly returned home to help.
McGilvery then formed a group of soldiers called the 6th Maine Battery. This group used cannons. They first fought in battles like Cedar Mountain and Sulphur Springs. These battles took place in Western Virginia.
At the Battle of Antietam, McGilvery's cannons helped support an attack. On February 5, 1863, he was promoted to major. He then led the First Volunteer Brigade. This group was part of the main Union army, the Army of the Potomac. He commanded them during the Chancellorsville Campaign.
Hero at Gettysburg
During the Gettysburg Campaign, on June 23, 1863, McGilvery was promoted again. He became a lieutenant colonel. The Battle of Gettysburg was a very important fight.
On July 2, the second day of the battle, McGilvery found a big problem. There was a wide, unprotected space in the Union army's line. This gap was along the southern part of Cemetery Ridge. It was just north of Little Round Top.
McGilvery quickly took action. He gathered cannons from different groups of soldiers. He used these cannons to fill the dangerous gap. At first, his cannon line had no infantry (foot soldiers) to protect it. This line of cannons became known as "Plum Run line." It was very important in stopping the Confederate army's final attack. This attack was aimed at the center of the Union line.
On July 3, the long line of cannons helped stop Pickett's Charge. This was a huge attack by the Confederate army. McGilvery's cannons were especially good at stopping other Confederate groups. These groups were led by Cadmus Wilcox and David Lang.
Later Service and Legacy
McGilvery was promoted to colonel in September 1863. He continued to lead his artillery group until May 1864. He then took charge of all the army's reserve cannons. He also managed their ammunition supply.
He did very well in this role during the Overland Campaign. He also served during the Siege of Petersburg. On August 9, 1864, he became the Chief of Artillery for the X Corps. This meant he commanded fifteen groups of cannons.
Just one week later, at the Battle of Deep Bottom, he was slightly hurt. He was wounded in a finger. Sadly, he died on September 3, 1864, from this wound. His body was returned to his home state of Maine. He was buried in the Village Cemetery in Searsport.
Remembering Freeman McGilvery
A fort built during the Siege of Petersburg was named Fort McGilvery. This was done to remember him. A group for Civil War veterans in Maine was also named after him. It was called Post #30 of the Grand Army of the Republic.
In 2001, the state of Maine passed a special law. This law made the first Saturday in September Colonel Freeman McGilvery Day. This day honors his bravery and service.
