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Alexander Collins poses for the camera late in his life to show off the wounds he received here at Gettysburg

One of the most poignant stories to come out of the battle of Gettysburg is that Pvt. Alexander Collins of the 142nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. Collins was only 15 years old at the time of the battle, but managed to find himself in the thick of the fighting on July 1st within site of this house. While firing in line, Collins was struck on the left side of his head by a bullet that severely damaged his ear. He was left for dead by his comrades, as his wound looked very serious. He awoke from his state of unconsciousness only to find himself behind enemy lines. After firing a few rounds at the exposed Confederate line, young Alex was attempting to make his way back to his own line when he came across the body of his regimental commander, Colonel Robert Cummins, who had been severely wounded. Collins attempted to help his fallen leader, but he was again shot, this time in the right leg. Col. Cummins would die of his wounds and young Alex would become a prisoner of the Confederates.

The story behind the Reynolds monument that is near the museum...

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