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Major General John Fulton Reynolds was one of the most capable officers of the Army of the Potomac. He had been offered the command of the army in late June, but declined the offer because Washington could not promise him a "free hand" with the troops.

He remained the commanding officer of the army's First Corps and during the campaign to Gettysburg also commanded the army's left wing comprised of the First, Third and Eleventh Army Corps.

About 10:30 in the morning of July 1st, General Reynolds was shot from his horse while leading elements of the Iron Brigade from his own first First Corps into action in the area of the McPherson Farm. Reynolds immediately fell from his horse and was dead instantly and thus a bright fire in the army of the Potomac was extinguished forever. Ironically, Reynolds was born and raised only 60 miles from Gettysburg in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and his body was taken back to there for burial. The monument marking the spot where General Reynolds was killed is within sight of this house and can be seen from the yard.

It was in this house that great men of history pondered the problems before them and made plans for one of the greatest battles of all times. The battle of Gettysburg lasted three days but the memories of this historical event are preserved to this day in this building, the Gettysburg headquarters of General Robert E. Lee.

Learn more by visiting the museum...

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