I was thinking about…John L. Burns
By Andy Lee
The Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863 was the turning point of the American Civil War. Among the many heroic tales from those pivotal three days of fighting is the story of John L. Burns, an elderly civilian who took up arms and fought valiantly for the Union cause. His bravery in combat earned him the moniker “the old hero of Gettysburg.”
Burns was a 69-year-old veteran living in Gettysburg when the battle erupted around the town on July 1st, 1863. A seasoned patriot, Burns had served in the War of 1812 as a member of his hometown militia. When Confederate forces advanced into Gettysburg, Burns took up his flintlock musket and walked out to join the Union defenders.
This elderly man in faded homespun clothing marched straight towards the front lines. There Burns began loading and firing his outdated musket into the attacking rebels. Despite having no combat experience or formal training, he fought hard throughout the day, even after receiving multiple wounds. His fierce defense of his hometown helped slow the Confederate assault.
On the second day, an ailing Burns again limped out with his old musket to rejoin the Union soldiers at Cemetery Ridge. He kept firing at the enemy despite the protests of the troops, who urged the old man to get to safety. Burns was finally forced to retire from the battlefield only after being struck by two more rebel bullets.
As he lay wounded at a Gettysburg hospital, word of the old man’s exploits spread through the Union ranks. The tale of Burns’ bravery lifted spirits and inspired the troops to fight harder themselves. This civilian who took up arms to defend his home became a symbol of courage. His fighting spirit in the face of overwhelming odds demonstrated the commitment of Northerners to preserve the Union.
For his actions, the U.S. Congress authorized a special medal for Burns, declaring that “an ordinary citizen at such an advanced age, with impaired health and unaccustomed to the hardships of war, thus leaving his home and comforts for the tented field.” John Burns was also officially designated an honorary member of the Union army.
But Burns’ story also highlighted the terrible cost of the Civil War for Gettysburg’s civilians. Like many local residents, Burns saw his home badly damaged in the fighting. He lost personal possessions and livestock seized or killed in the battle. The role of Gettysburg civilians in tending to the mass casualties and in some cases fighting themselves has often been overshadowed by the military narrative of the battle.
John Burns came to symbolize the courage and sacrifice of those ordinary Americans caught in the crossfire. Their resilience in defending their homes even in old age offered stirring examples of bravery. Burns’ determination to take up arms despite his years and inexperience remains a testament to the indomitable human spirit.
The “old hero of Gettysburg” died in 1872 at the age of 78. He was buried with military honors befitting his brave defense of that Pennsylvania town. Near the entrance of Gettysburg National Military Park stands a statue of John Burns clutching his flintlock musket, a reminder of valor in unexpected places. His legendary courage continues to inspire.
Even now, over 150 years later, John L. Burns is still one of the most famous civilians who grabbed a gun at Gettysburg. When Confederate forces marched into his beloved Gettysburg, this elderly man found his courage and took up arms to defend his hometown. Despite his advanced age and lack of combat experience, John L. Burns grabbed his outdated flintlock musket and limped out to join the Union soldiers. With bold spirit, Burns fought valiantly alongside the troops, demonstrating his dedication to the Union cause.
The tale of this unexpected fighter from Gettysburg really hit home in both the North and South. It showed that being brave and heroic can come from the most surprising folks. Burns was the epitome of average joes rising to protect their homes, regardless of age or skill.
John L. Burns represents all the citizens who sacrificed and chipped in during the Civil War. With all that bloodshed and chaos swirling around him, he held his ground. The “old hero of Gettysburg” went down in history as one of the most inspirational and unforgettable characters of those pivotal three days of fighting. His legend will keep inspiring generations to come with his gumption and grit.
Stay curious, keep exploring. 😊
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