History of the Gettysburg Independent Blues

The area that would become Gettysburg was first settled in the 1760s. One of the earliest surviving structures from this period is the Dobbin House, located on Steinwehr Avenue. The town itself was formally established in 1786, originally as part of York County. In 1800, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania created Adams County by dividing the western portion of York County and designated Gettysburg as the county seat.

Many veterans of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 either hailed from Gettysburg or settled in the region afterward. Numerous local cemeteries contain the graves of these early American soldiers. The first known militia organization in the area was the Pennsylvania Riflemen Battalion, which met at the Gettys Tavern. The later Gettysburg Blues do not descend from this unit.

Early Militia Tradition in Pennsylvania

Prior to the founding of the United States, Pennsylvania—shaped heavily by its Quaker roots—was generally disinterested in maintaining a militia. Benjamin Franklin was among the first to advocate for organized defense, forming the Associators, the colony’s earliest militia force. This tradition of local defense would eventually take root in Gettysburg.

Origins of the Gettysburg Blues

The earliest known reference to the “Gettysburg Blues” appears in an 1816 issue of the Sentinel, one of the original newspapers in Adams County (later consolidated into what is now the Gettysburg Times). At that time, the unit was commanded by Captain Isaac Peebles. Little else is known about the Blues during this early period.

During the 1830s, the unit appears to have undergone a name change to the “Gettysburg Guards.” An oil painting from around 1833—artist unknown—depicts the Guards marching up Baltimore Street toward the town square, wearing Model 1830 infantry uniforms. The painting is notable for its depiction of three Black musicians leading the unit, an uncommon practice for the era. The artwork is considered unique, and its value cannot be estimated due to its rarity and historical significance. The painting eventually came into the possession of Colonel Charles Henry Buehler, who commanded the Blues before and during the early Civil War years. It was later passed down to his children and is currently in the Henry Ford Museum Collection. 

The 1859 Painting and Pre–Civil War Blues

In 1859, another painting—based on the earlier Gettysburg Guards artwork—was created, again showing the Blues marching along Baltimore Street. The Adams County Courthouse, completed in 1858 and operational in 1859, appears in the background, suggesting the painting may commemorate its opening.

A black-and-white Tipton photograph of the painting survives. Although some details are difficult to discern, most of the unit is shown wearing the Model 1853 shako with sky-blue pompoms. An 1855 article in the Compiler newspaper noted that the Blues had adopted the U.S. Army’s regulation uniform: the 1853 shako, pleated indigo-blue frock coats, and pleated Saxon-blue trousers. Musicians wore similar uniforms but retained the wheel cap from the Mexican-American War. The U.S. Army continued phasing out elements of the Mexican War uniform as late as 1857 during the Utah War.

This second painting also belonged to Colonel Buehler and remained in Gettysburg. The painting had thought to be lost to time, but it has recently resurfaced and is privately held by one of the auction houses in the Gettysburg area. 

Leadership and Activities in the 1850s

During the 1850s, the Blues were commanded by Captain James G. Reed, a West Point graduate who instilled strong discipline and military proficiency in the unit—skills that would serve them well during the Civil War.

In 1855, the Blues elected Charles Henry Buehler as commander. He remained in command until September 1861, when he was promoted to Major in the 87th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry.

Throughout the decade, the Blues were a visible presence in the community, frequently parading through Gettysburg and occasionally bivouacking in and around the town. One of their most notable traditions was the annual reading of George Washington’s Farewell Address on the President’s birthday.

In late 1855, Governor Pollock awarded the Blues a small brass field artillery piece for ceremonial use. Its fate is unknown.

The Blues Enter Federal Service (1861)

In April 1861, Captain Buehler met with Governor Andrew Curtin and offered the Blues for Pennsylvania’s volunteer quota. Upon his return, he was greeted with great enthusiasm. Membership surged from 30–40 men to over 120. However, federal regulations capped company strength at 77 men, forcing the excess volunteers to form a separate company and discouraging some from enlisting.

On April 21, the Blues departed by rail for Camp Curtin near Harrisburg and were designated Company E, 2nd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry—a 90‑day regiment. En route to Washington, D.C., their train was halted at Cockeysville, Maryland, by a secessionist mob that had burned a railroad bridge. After two days stranded, the regiment was redirected to Camp Scott in York County, where they drilled for a month.

Uniforms of the Early War Blues

We know the Blues’ issued uniforms thanks to Private David Myers, who re-enlisted with the Blues in September 1861 but left his earlier uniform behind. After Myers’ death, his mother donated his belongings to GAR Post #9. His indigo-dyed sack coat—constructed of lightweight 2/2 wool twill with a standing collar—is the last known example of this early-war contract. It is preserved by Gettysburg Camp 112, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War (SUVCW).

Service Under General Patterson

The regiment joined the 2nd Brigade, Department of Pennsylvania, under General Robert Patterson. Patterson was ordered to advance into the Shenandoah Valley and neutralize Confederate General Joseph E. Johnston’s forces.

• July 2, 1861: The regiment crossed the Potomac at Falling Waters, Virginia. Although skirmishing occurred, the Blues were held in reserve.

• July 3–15: Occupation of Martinsburg, Virginia.

• Subsequent movements included Bunker Hill and Charlestown.

The regiment saw no major combat but lost two men to disease. It was mustered out on July 26, 1861.

Return to Gettysburg

While in service, the Blues learned of pro‑Southern sentiments expressed by certain individuals and a local newspaper. Upon returning home, the unit published a strongly worded resolution condemning such disloyalty.

Re‑Enlistment and Service in the 87th Pennsylvania

After a month’s rest, the Blues re-enlisted. The company size limit had been raised to 101 men, and nearly all original members returned. The Blues joined the newly formed 87th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry under Colonel George Hay.

The regiment initially guarded railroads in Maryland as part of the Middle Department, later transferring multiple times before joining the Army of the Potomac—first in the 3rd Brigade, 3rd Division, 3rd Corps, and later in the 1st Brigade, 3rd Division, 6th Corps, where it remained for the rest of the war.

Major Engagements

The 87th Pennsylvania participated in:

• Battle of Winchester (June 13–15)

• Battle of the Wilderness (May 5–7)

• Siege of Petersburg (to July 6)

• Battle of Monocacy (July 9)

• Battle of Opequon (September 19)

• Battle of Cedar Creek

• Siege of Petersburg (Dec. 1864–Apr. 1865)

• Pursuit of Lee to Appomattox (April 3–9)

• Witnessed Lee’s surrender

• Guard duty in Danville, march to Richmond, and participation in the Corps Review (June 8)

• Mustered out June 29, 1865

The company suffered its heaviest losses at Winchester.

Notable Members

Corporal Jack Skelly  

Wounded at Carter’s Woods after refusing to surrender, Skelly died a month later. GAR Post #9 in Gettysburg was named in his honor.

Sergeant Daniel Reigle  

The regimental color bearer, Reigle received the Medal of Honor for capturing a Confederate flag at Cedar Creek:

“Reigle rushed forward through a terrific fire and captured a rebel flag at the stone fence where the enemy’s last stand was made.”

His effects and the regimental colors are displayed at the Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center.

Postwar: GAR and the Sons of Veterans Reserve

In 1866, Union veterans formed the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR). In 1867, Gettysburg veterans—including many former Blues—established the CPL Johnston E. “Jack” Skelly Post #9.

The GAR Hall stands on James Gettys’ original town lot #170 on East Middle Street. Built in 1822 as a Methodist church, it was purchased in 1880 to serve as the Post headquarters.

Formation of the SVR

In 1881, the GAR authorized the creation of a Corps of Cadets, founded by Major Augusts P. Davis. The Corps was composed of sons and grandsons of Union veterans. This organization evolved into the Sons of Veterans Reserve (SVR). 

Many units within the SVR, including the Blues, volunteered for federal service for the Spanish American War. 

Centennial Celebration: The Blues in the 1960s-1970s

April of 1961 marked the 100th anniversary of the Blues volunteering for federal service during the Civil War. 

The town of Gettysburg gathered in the town square the re-enact the Blues 

in 1962, the SUVCW created the National Military Department which consolidated the SVR under the auspices of the SUVCW. 

A New Millennium for the Blues 

Throughout the 1980s into the early 2010s the Blues continued to prosper. in this time period, many notable figures within the SUVCW and the SVR belonged to the Blues. This included several past Commander-in-Chiefs of the order. 

Up until the 1990s, the SVR wore the Blue dress uniform of the United States Army with the exception of a Civil War Kepi and SVR insignia. The 1990s was considered to be the Civil War re-encting renaissance. The SVR leadership at this time was infiltrated by re-enactors. The SVR leadership formally adopted the Civil War dress and regulations of the time. 

Once again, the Blues (as well as Gettysburg Camp 112), suffered from terrible losses, and threatened the very existence of the SUVCW in Gettysburg. in 2017 the Blues were placed in in-active status with the SVR due to the membership rolls falling too far below the threshold. This created a large vacuum leaving many events and ceremonies usually covered by the Blues without an honor guard.