Wednesday, July 26, 2023

Special Presentation on Anthracite Miners in the Civil War at The Greater Shenandoah Area Historical Society


SHENANDOAH - The Greater Shenandoah Area Historical Society has announced its upcoming monthly meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, August 1st, at the Historical Center, located at 201 South Main Street, Shenandoah. 

The event will commence promptly at 6:00 PM and promises to be an evening filled with fascinating historical insights.

Peter Skirmantas, will attend the event as the featured speaker. Skirmantas will captivate the audience with his engaging presentation on the "Anthracite Miners in the Civil War." The focal point of his discourse will revolve around the 48th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, more famously known as the "Schuylkill Regiment."

The "Schuylkill Regiment" comprised a fearless group of Pennsylvania coal miners, possessing unparalleled expertise in excavation. Their most audacious feat took place during the Civil War when they executed a daring mission, often regarded as one of the most spectacular events in the war's history. This remarkable incident involved the obliteration of a Confederate fort located just outside Petersburg, Virginia, through a colossal explosion on July 30th, 1864.

Historians fondly dubbed this event the "Battle of the Crater," as the Northern army, led by the brave "Schuylkill Regiment," masterminded the creation of an underground tunnel beneath the enemy fort. With astonishing precision, they detonated massive amounts of gunpowder, creating a massive gap that reshaped the course of the Civil War.

The upcoming program promises to shed light on this extraordinary and relatively lesser-known episode from our nation's past. It is a unique opportunity for history enthusiasts, both young and old, to delve into the heroic actions of these anthracite miners and their pivotal role in shaping the course of history.

The Greater Shenandoah Area Historical Society is extending an open invitation to the public to join in this enlightening evening. Admission to the event is free of charge.

For those with an inherent curiosity about history and an appreciation for valorous tales, the Historical Center on August 1st, 2023, is the place to be. Mark your calendars, invite your friends and family, and prepare to be transported back in time by Peter Skirmantas' enthralling presentation on the "Anthracite Miners in the Civil War."