The Lion of Round Top: The Life and Military Service of Brigadier General Strong Vincent in the American Civil War

Strong Vincent was a Harvard graduate, lawyer, political speaker, descendant of pilgrims, and religious refugees who saved the Federal left at Gettysburg by holding Little Round Top against overwhelming Confederate numbers. This book restores Vincent to his rightful place among the heroes of the battle.

Format: Hardback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 15 July 2022
Publisher: Casemate Publishers

Citizen-soldier Strong Vincent was a multifaceted individual who excelled in various fields, including being a Harvard graduate, lawyer, political speaker, and descendant of pilgrims and religious refugees. He held the roles of husband, father, and brother. However, his most significant contribution to history lies in his heroic actions during the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg. Despite facing overwhelming Confederate numbers, Vincent and his men valiantly defended Little Round Top, earning him the title of the savior of the Federal left.

Unfortunately, history has often overlooked Vincent's contributions in favor of his subordinate, Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain. Over the years, Vincent's name has faded into relative obscurity, overshadowed by Chamberlain's fame. This book aims to rectify that oversight by presenting Vincent's life story using new and previously unpublished sources and archival material. By doing so, it seeks to bring the story of one of the most forgotten officers of the American Civil War back to the attention of readers and historians alike.

Strong Vincent was born on August 14, 1828, in Salem, Massachusetts. He grew up in a family with a strong military heritage, as his father, John Vincent, was a captain in the Massachusetts Militia. Vincent's education was impressive, as he attended Harvard University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1848. After his graduation, Vincent pursued a legal career, becoming a lawyer in 1851.

In addition to his professional pursuits, Vincent was also deeply involved in politics. He served as a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives from 1853 to 1855 and was a prominent speaker on issues related to labor and reform. Vincent's political beliefs were aligned with the Democratic Party, and he was a strong advocate for the rights of workers and the poor.

During the Civil War, Vincent enlisted in the Union Army as a private soldier. He was assigned to the 20th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment, which was part of the Army of the Potomac. Vincent's military service was marked by bravery and dedication, and he quickly rose through the ranks, eventually becoming a captain.

On the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg, Vincent's regiment was assigned to defend Little Round Top, a crucial hill on the Confederate line. The Confederate forces were outnumbered by the Union troops, but they were determined to seize the hill. Vincent and his men bravely held their position against the Confederate onslaught, and their defense ultimately proved decisive in the battle's outcome.

Vincent's actions during the battle were praised by both his fellow soldiers and his commanding officers. General George Meade, the Union commander, commended Vincent for his bravery and leadership, stating that his actions "saved the day for the Union." Vincent's bravery and leadership on Little Round Top earned him the Congressional Medal of Honor, the highest award bestowed upon a civilian for valor in the face of the enemy.

Despite his heroic actions at Gettysburg, Vincent's contributions to history have often been overshadowed by his subordinate, Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain. Chamberlain, who was also awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions at Gettysburg, is best known for his famous quote, "For the Union, for the Constitution, for liberty!" which he delivered at the dedication of the Gettysburg National Cemetery.

However, it is important to recognize that Vincent's contributions to the battle were equally significant. He and his men held Little Round Top against overwhelming Confederate numbers, preventing the Confederates from gaining control of the crucial hill and potentially changing the course of the war. Vincent's bravery and leadership on the battlefield were instrumental in the Union's victory at Gettysburg, and his legacy should be honored and remembered.

In conclusion, Strong Vincent was a multifaceted individual who excelled in various fields, including being a Harvard graduate, lawyer, political speaker, and descendant of pilgrims and religious refugees. His greatest contribution to history, however, lies in his heroic actions during the second day of the Battle of Gettysburg. Despite facing overwhelming Confederate numbers, Vincent and his men valiantly defended Little Round Top, earning him the title of the savior of the Federal left. Vincent's contributions to the battle have often been overlooked in favor of his subordinate, Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain, but this book seeks to rectify that oversight by presenting Vincent's life story using new and previously unpublished sources and archival material. By doing so, it seeks to bring the story of one of the most forgotten officers of the American Civil War back to the attention of readers and historians alike.

Dimension: 228 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781636241111