When I first tried Chamberlain Pale Ale, I made a commitment to drink it again on the anniversary of the 20th Maine’s big fight at Gettysburg. Today, I’ve done just that and I'm glad I did, because it reminds me of two things: this is an outstanding beer, and history is an amazing thing.July 2nd dawned hot and the ridge lines and hilltops near the little town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania must have been heavy with the smoke from scattered Union and Confederate encampments, and thick with the smell of gun powder and blood.
By day’s end, the 20th Maine under the able leadership of scholar-turned-soldier Joshua Chamberlain would distinguish itself through its efforts to preserve the Union line at an as yet unknown spot on Little Roundtop.
History records the mass act of daring and heroism that occurred on that second day of battle outside Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. History also notes that Joshua Chamberlain was awarded the Medal of Honor for the bravery and leadership he displayed on that day.
Fading into history are those who didn’t survive much beyond the battle. Sergeant William S. Jordan of Company G was shot through the lung at some point during the battle. History does not record at what point during the battle Sergeant Jordan received his mortal wound, but he lingered until July 24th, fading slowly over the course of over twenty days. Sergeant Jordan died and was buried near the Trostle Farm south of Gettysburg. He was later moved to the National Cemetery where he lays in the Maine section, resting in honored peace.
The sun set blood red here in the desert southwest today, drawing a smoky curtain on a nearly 114 degree day. I imagine the sun was blood red at Gettysburg as well.
2 comments:
Love the history lesson. You can sure learn a lot about everything, by learning about beer.
Thanks for dropping in. As if a fellow needed a reason to sample new beers, there's always the back story angle and the question I frequently ask myself, "what were they drinking back then?"
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