Defensive Measures – Gettysburg Campaign Trenches
In June 1863, as Confederate forces under General Robert E. Lee advanced toward Gettysburg, fear spread through Pennsylvania. After the Union’s defeat at the Second Battle of Winchester, General Robert Milroy retreated to Bloody Run (now Everett) in Bedford County. Concerns over the strategic Railroad hub of Altoona led local militia, organized by Colonel Jacob Higgins, to construct defensive earthworks and stone-filled cribs at key mountain passes and streams. These trenches, built by about 1,500 men using local resources, are among the few surviving defensive works from the Gettysburg Campaign and are now a historic site in Bedford County
Cambria and Blair County Troops sent to guard parts of Bedford County from a possible Rebel Invasion.
Col Pierce - 12 Pa Cav. Bloody Run - now called Everett.
News from Bedford
Wednesday, July 1, 1863
Bedford, Penna.
Capt. Litzinger of Ebensburg and Capt. Hughes of Wilmore
Col. Higgins - Blair County Militia
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Letter From Our Soldiers
Bedford, Penna.
July 3, 1863
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