Index to

Joshua L. Chamberlain's Pages

Image of Chamberlain as Brevet Major General,
1865, care of Pejepscot Historical Society.

Joshua L. Chamberlain is perhaps most widely known for his role in holding the Federal position on Little Round Top during the Battle of Gettysburg. But before the war would end, the unassuming college professor from Maine would contribute much more than that.

Entering the Union army as a lieutenant colonel, Chamberlain would serve in more than 20 engagements, be wounded six times, and finish his service breveted Major General. His final honor would come when General Ulysses S. Grant designated him to receive the first flag of surrender at Appomattox Court House. The defeated Confederate troops, under the command of General John B. Gordon, anticipated the ultimate humiliation. Instead, they were met with honor and respect. For this, Gordon remembered Chamberlain in his memoirs as "one of the knightliest soldiers of the Federal Army."

The Biography of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain

"One of the Knightliest Soldiers"

Joshua Chamberlain's Pages

"A Bivouac with the Dead" at Fredericksburg
"To the Rescue or All is Lost!" at Gettysburg
The Battle on Little Round Top at Gettysburg
"Appomattox"
"The Disbandment"
Inspirational Words by Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain

Related Page at this Web Site

Memorial Day Quotations

Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain: "One of the Knightliest Soldiers" - The story of Joshua Chamberlain's life, including excerpts from some of his writings.

"A Bivouac with the Dead" - Featured on this page is an excerpt from "My Story of Fredericksburg," Chamberlain's account of the Battle of Fredericksburg, and a photo of Fredericksburg.

"To the Rescue or All is Lost!" - This page features an excerpt from "Through Blood and Fire at Gettysburg," Chamberlain's account of the battle on Little Round Top at Gettysburg. Also included is a photo that shows where the left of the Union line was positioned that day on Little Round Top.

The Battle on Little Round Top at Gettysburg - More excerpts from Chamberlain's "Through Blood and Fire at Gettysburg" are featured on this page. Photos show the Valley of Death as viewed from Little Round Top, and Chamberlain as Brigadier General.

"Appomattox" - In this excerpt from The Passing of the Armies, Chamberlain recalls details on the surrender of arms. A photo of Appomattox Court House shows the Surrender Triangle where Chamberlain met with General John B. Gordon on April 12, 1865.

"The Disbandment" - This excerpt from The Passing of the Armies describes Chamberlain's thoughts when the Union Army disbanded. An image of the Maltese Cross, symbol of the Fifth Corps, is included on this page.

Inspirational Words by Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain - Read quotations by Chamberlain, and see a picture of him as Brigadier General. Also included on this page is a photo of Petersburg National Battlefield.

Memorial Day Quotations - Chamberlain's quotations on the event of Memorial Day are featured in this tribute to Civil War veterans.

Copyright © 2001 - 2003 1st Dragoon's Civil War Site. All rights reserved.