Macoupin Men Fought At Gettysburg

By Tom Emery

The most famous battle of the Civil War was Gettysburg, widely considered to be the turning point of the conflict. A number of area men were in the clash.

July 1-3 marks the anniversary of the epic fight at Gettysburg, which included a company of men from Greene and Macoupin counties. The unit was part of the 12th Illinois Cavalry, which was engaged in some of the earliest hours of the three-day battle.

The 12th was part of the command of Maj. Gen. John Buford, who earned a reputation as one of the heroes of Gettysburg. An Illinois product, Buford earned a place in pop culture in...