Skirmish of Littlestown facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Skirmish of Littlestown |
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| Part of Gettysburg Campaign | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 USA (Union) |
 CSA (Confederacy) |
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| 26th WI (Boebel) 2 other regiments |
detachment of cavalry | ||||||
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The Skirmish of Littlestown was a small but important fight in Pennsylvania. It happened just before the big Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War. In this skirmish, soldiers from the Union Army (the North) successfully pushed back a group of Confederate cavalry (soldiers on horseback from the South). This event took place on June 30, 1863, in Littlestown, Pennsylvania.
What Happened Before the Fight?
On June 29, 1863, the Union Army was setting up defenses in northern Maryland. Union cavalry (horseback soldiers) were positioned north of the state line. One group was at Fairfield and another at Littlestown.
Meanwhile, Confederate cavalry, led by General J.E.B. Stuart, were just south of the Maryland-Pennsylvania border. They learned that Union cavalry were in Littlestown. Stuart's forces then marched towards Hanover, where they would soon meet Union cavalry in the Battle of Hanover.
The Skirmish Begins
Behind the Confederate cavalry, Union infantry (foot soldiers) were advancing. When they reached Union Mills, they found out about the Confederate cavalry at Littlestown.
Three brigades (large groups of soldiers) from the Union Army moved forward. They went ahead of the main Union column towards Littlestown. Their skirmishers, who are soldiers sent ahead to scout and engage the enemy, quickly met the Confederate cavalry. The Union soldiers successfully "brushed away" or "warded off" the Confederate detachment.
Another Union group, Candy's Brigade, also fought with Confederate cavalry at Littlestown.
After the Fight
After 3 p.m. on June 30, the 123rd New York Regiment marched through Littlestown. They then set up camp at Two Taverns, Pennsylvania. This was just before they would take part in the major Battle of Gettysburg. The Skirmish of Littlestown was a small victory for the Union. It showed that Union forces were ready to defend against Confederate movements.
