Winfield S. Hancock
Montgomery Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania
Marker Inscription
Outstanding Civil War general and hero of the Battle of Gettysburg, was born here Feb. 14, 1824. After 1828 he lived in Norristown, where he is buried.
Erected by Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
The Story
Winfield Scott Hancock was born on this ground in 1824 and grew up in nearby Norristown before entering the army. He became one of the Union's most respected commanders, earning the nickname "Hancock the Superb" and playing a decisive role at Gettysburg in 1863, where his corps helped hold the line against Pickett's Charge. He returned to Norristown in death, buried in the county where his story began.
Why it matters
Hancock's steadiness at Gettysburg helped decide the war's turning-point battle, making this quiet birthplace the origin of a pivotal Union career.
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Related people
- · Winfield S. Hancock
Related events
- · Battle of Gettysburg
Themes & tags
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