The Human Lightning Rods of Gettysburg
A lightning victim being taken to the hospital In July of 1863, a bloody battle fought near a small Pennsylvania town made the name Gettysburg famous throughout the world. Just forty-five years later, in July of 1908, tragedy would once again befall soldiers on the hallowed fields of Gettysburg. This time, the casualties would not fall by Confederate cannonballs or Union bayonets-- but by the hands of Mother Nature. In July of 1908, the Pennsylvania National Guard held its summer encampment at Gettysburg. Camp Alexander Hays, named in honor of the Union Army general from Venango County who was killed during the Battle of the Wilderness, was opened on Thursday, July 16, with the raising of the flag and a 21-gun salute by the Third Brigade. Another salute was held for Gov. Edwin S. Stuart upon his arrival that afternoon. The Second Brigade arrived in camp in Friday, and the First Brigade on Saturday. It had been a hot, dry summer; rain hadn't fallen on the battlefield in eight week...
