Gettysburg Connections to Custer’s Last Stand

The battles of Gettysburg and Little Bighorn remain the two most studied military engagements in American history. The colorful and controversial George Armstrong Custer was at the center of both events. Custer’s Civil War fame began at Gettysburg but his death along the Little Bighorn River thirteen years later has stirred historical debates for more than a century. Yet Custer was not the only link between these two iconic battles. Several other men served in both campaigns, some lost their lives, and at least two participants had ties to Adams County and the surrounding region.

As the summer of 2026 marks the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Little Bighorn, join Gettysburg Licensed Battlefield Guide and author James Hessler for an exploration of these connected stories. This program will highlight the soldiers who fought at both Gettysburg and Little Bighorn, examine the local connections, and discuss how their experiences helped shape the legacy of “Custer’s Last Stand.”

Registration is required. Gettysburg History Members are free and non-members are $10. This event will be held Saturday, August 8th from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Beyond the Battle Museum, Battlefield Overlook Event Center, 625 Biglerville Road, Gettysburg.