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The Parallel Lives of Joshua Chamberlain (USA) and John Gordon (CSA): Commanders at the Battle of Gettysburg

Zadie Smith

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Published in The Appomattox Generals: The Parallel Lives Of Joshua L Chamberlain USA And John B Gordon CSA Commanders At The Surrender Ceremony Of April 12 1865

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Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain and John Brown Gordon were two of the most iconic commanders at the Battle of Gettysburg. Both men led their troops with valor and distinction, and both emerged from the battle as respected military leaders. Their lives were full of parallels, from their humble beginnings to their military careers to their postwar paths.

Early Life and Education

Joshua Chamberlain was born in Brewer, Maine, on September 8, 1828. His father was a sea captain, and his mother was a devout Christian. Chamberlain attended Bown College, where he excelled in his studies and was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. After graduating from Bown, Chamberlain studied law at Harvard University.

The Appomattox Generals: The Parallel Lives of Joshua L. Chamberlain, USA, and John B. Gordon, CSA, Commanders at the Surrender Ceremony of April 12, 1865

by John W. Primomo

4.6 out of 5

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John Gordon was born in Upson County, Georgia, on February 6, 1832. His father was a farmer, and his mother was a devout Methodist. Gordon attended the University of Georgia, where he studied law and was a member of the Phi Kappa Literary Society. After graduating from the University of Georgia, Gordon practiced law in Atlanta.

Military Careers

When the Civil War broke out in 1861, Chamberlain and Gordon both volunteered to serve. Chamberlain joined the Union Army and was commissioned as a lieutenant colonel in the 20th Maine Infantry Regiment. Gordon joined the Confederate Army and was commissioned as a captain in the 6th Alabama Infantry Regiment.

Chamberlain and Gordon both fought with distinction at the Battle of Gettysburg. Chamberlain led his regiment in a heroic charge against the Confederate forces on Little Round Top. Gordon led his regiment in a desperate defense of Culp's Hill. Both men were wounded in the battle, but they both survived.

After the Battle of Gettysburg, Chamberlain and Gordon continued to serve in the war. Chamberlain was promoted to brigadier general and commanded a brigade in the Army of the Potomac. Gordon was promoted to major general and commanded a division in the Army of Northern Virginia.

Postwar Careers

After the war, Chamberlain and Gordon both returned to civilian life. Chamberlain resumed his law practice and became involved in politics. He served as governor of Maine from 1867 to 1871 and was elected to the United States Senate in 1876.

Gordon also resumed his law practice after the war. He served in the Georgia legislature and was elected to the United States Senate in 1873. Gordon was a strong advocate for the rights of Confederate veterans.

Joshua Chamberlain and John Gordon were two of the most respected military leaders of the Civil War. Both men led their troops with valor and distinction, and both emerged from the war as respected citizens. Their lives were full of parallels, from their humble beginnings to their military careers to their postwar paths.

Additional Resources

* [Joshua Chamberlain](https://www.nps.gov/gett/learn/historyculture/joshua-chamberlain.htm) * [John Gordon](https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/history-archaeology/john-brown-gordon) * [Battle of Gettysburg](https://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/battle-of-gettysburg)

The Appomattox Generals: The Parallel Lives of Joshua L. Chamberlain, USA, and John B. Gordon, CSA, Commanders at the Surrender Ceremony of April 12, 1865

by John W. Primomo

4.6 out of 5