Wrightsville: A Key Civil War Engagement.
Chris Hertig,CPP,CPOI
Advisory Board Member, International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO)
On June 28, 1863 Confederate forces attempted to cross the Susquehanna river between Wrightsville and Columbia (Lancaster Countuy). There was some fighting with a single fatality: a black militiaman who was killed by an artillery shell fragment.
The bridge linking Wrightsville and Columbia was the longest covered bridge in the world. It was burned so that the Rebels couldn't cross the Susquehanna. Had they done so the Civil War would have been far different. Rail lines and telegraph lines would have been cut; halting the supply of coal to the Union Navy and creating mass disruption and panic. Harrisburg, PA would have been threatened. So would Philadelphia.
A peace settlement may have been worked out ending the War of The Rebellion.
The Confederate forces may have left Gettysburg.
The Mifflin House, also known as "Hybla" is located just outside Wrightsville. This home was a stop on the Underground Railroad for several decades. Confederate artillery were emplaced on it's grounds during the Engagement at Wrightsville.
Unfortunately, this incredibly important historic property is in danger of being demolished.
And that can't happen. To help save the Mifflin House contact Melinda G. Crawford Executive Director, Preservation PA ([email protected]).
Advisory Board Member, International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO)
5 年Had the Confederates gotten across the Susquehanna River, the Civil War would have ended much differently!