Col. Strong Vincent (1837-1863)
Waterford, Erie County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Civil War hero was born at the NW corner of First & Cherry Streets. A major turning point in the 1863 Battle of Gettysburg resulted from his independent and decisive action on July 2 in detaching his brigade (including the 83rd Pa. Regiment) to occupy and defend Little Round Top. Mortally wounded while rallying his men, he died July 7, four days after he had been promoted to brigadier general for gallantry.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Born in this Erie County town in 1837, Strong Vincent rose to command a Union brigade in the Civil War. On July 2, 1863, at Gettysburg, he acted on his own initiative to rush his men—including the 83rd Pennsylvania—onto Little Round Top, holding the Union army's exposed left flank at a decisive moment. Mortally wounded rallying his troops, he was promoted to brigadier general days before he died.
Why it matters
Vincent's split-second decision helped secure one of the most important defensive positions of the Civil War's turning-point battle, a reminder of how individual courage shaped the fate of the nation.
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Related people
- · Strong Vincent
Related events
- · Battle of Gettysburg
Themes & tags
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