Custer's Headquarters Ash Battlefield Tree Executive Letter Opener
Founded in 1764 and named after David Hunter, Hunterstown, Pennsylvania was a small, but thriving village in July of 1863. It was here, on the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg, on the Felty and Gilbert Farms just south of the village that a critically important cavalry engagement occurred and became known as the Battle of Hunterstown.
July 2, 1863 found newly promoted Brigadier General George Armstrong Custer and his Michigan cavalry northeast of Gettysburg in Hunterstown. He along with General Elon Farnworth were tasked with probing the Confederate left flank. Confederate General Wade Hampton arrived in Gettysburg early in the afternoon and was immediately ordered by General J.E.B. Stuart to protect the left. That set the two forces on a collision course as they met on the road between Gettysburg and Hunterstown. While leading a charge of his 6th Michigan Cavalry, Custer fell and was trapped under his wounded horse. Had it not been for Cavalryman Norvell F. Churchill would have met his end as Churhcill killed the Confederate with only seconds to spare. Although outnumbered, Custer continued the attack and Hampton’s men disengaged to prepare for a second attack. It was at this time that Farnsworth’s brigade arrived and Hampton called off his attack. The battle became an artillery duel until darkness fell and Hampton withdrew to Gettysburg. The battle was a Union victory with only 32 Union casualties compared to over 200 Confederates.
Custer used the house of the historic Tate Farm in Hunterstown as his temporary headquarters. His commander, General Hudson Kilpatrick, used the Grass Hotel adjacent to the Tate Farm. The Tate farm is famous for once having President George Washington stopping to have a horse of one of his party reshod on their way back from travel related to the Whiskey Rebellion.
Custer’s actions on July 2nd were overshadowed by his brilliant performance at East Cavalry field on July 3rd. It was here that Lee ordered Stuart to circle south and from the east of the Union’s position on Cemetery Ridge. It was Lee’s assumption that if Pickett’s Charge was successful, Stuart would disrupt a Union retreat. As Stuart arrived at what is now known as East Cavalry Field he was met by Union Cavalry of which one brigade was led by Custer who led not one, but two charges each time shouting ‘Come on you Wolverines!’. The battle at East Cavalry Field was over in less than an hour. Stuart’s men were repulsed.
Custer spent the remainder of the Civil under Major General Phillip Sheridan and was involved in numerous engagements in which he was largely successful. He was present at the surrender at Appomattox Court House, and the table upon which the surrender was signed was presented to him as a gift. On April 15, 1865, Custer was promoted to major general in the U.S. Volunteers, making him the youngest major general in the Union Army at age 25.
Custer is perhaps best known for his roles in the Indian Wars that followed the civil war. He died on June 25, 1876 at age 36 at the Battle of Little Big Horn in Montana when all men under his command were killed. His command decisions of that day are debated to this day.