The Civil War Roundtable
of Fairfield County

The Stamford Historical Society takes pleasure in hosting the
Civil War Roundtable of Fairfield County

1508 High Ridge Road
Stamford, CT 06903

Directions: Merritt Parkway, Exit 35 to High Ridge Road, North 3/4 mile to 2-story, c.1915 fieldstone building located on the left, past gas station.
map

Wednesday, May 26, 2010, 7:30pm

SPEAKER:Keith Miller
TOPIC: The 17th CT Regiment at Gettysburg

ADMISSION: Free
QUESTIONS: Guy DeMasi, 203-322-7853 or Steve Laird, 203-227-2581

In August 1862, Fairfield County responded to the call for more volunteers in a war which had exceeded everyone’s expectations on duration and ferocity by forming the 17th CT Volunteer Regiment. More Fairfield men fought in the 17th than in any other Connecticut regiment. For eight months it saw light duty until the Chancellorsville campaign where it received its baptism of fire. As part of the XI Corps, it was routed when Stonewall Jackson made his famous flank attack. Two months later at Gettysburg under an impetuous young General Francis C. Barlow, the 17th CT rushed forward to redeem itself and blunt the Confederate invasion. In three hours of chaotic fighting over the course of three days, half the 17th became casualties with 34 killed outright or mortally wounded. No other battle was so costly to Fairfield County.

Keith Miller will push aside the smoke of battle to describe the actions of the 17th at Gettysburg, their suffering after it, and their efforts to memorialize their comrades. Mr. Miller is a former GE executive, member of the Civil War Round Table of Fairfield County and author of several articles for Civil War Times, including “Chance and the Civil War.” Though not a native of Fairfield County, his interest in the 17th was stimulated five years ago when David LeVan of Gettysburg proposed a Gettysburg Casino. Keith volunteered countless hours supporting the efforts of the Civil War Preservation Trust and No Casino Gettysburg to defeat the casino. Gettysburg locals wonder why anyone from Fairfield County, CT would care about this issue. One needs to look no further than the story of the 17th CT. Although defeated once, Mr. LeVan is renewing his proposal for a casino. To raise awareness of the 17th and of the casino threat, Keith is offering this talk along with relics from the 17th’s fight on the Harrisburg Road.

Visit the Stamford Historical Society's online exhibit Stamford's Civil War: At Home and in the Field.
Connecticut 17th Regiment Volunteer Infantry / Stamford Roster
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