The role that African Americans played in the Gettysburg Campaign has now been largely forgotten. This work seeks to rectify this oversight by bringing to light the many ways that Black Americans took part in the crucial battle at Gettysburg, how they were able to influence the military outcome, and the impact the Civil War had on their lives. Author, James M. Paradis, a former licensed battlefield guide at Gettysburg National Military Park, examines the active prewar role played by Gettysburg citizens, both black and white, in dramatic rescues of the Underground Railroad. Readers are introduced to an impressive ensemble of characters from the black community in Gettysburg including farmers, blacksmiths, teachers, veterinarians, preachers, servants, and laborers. He also dispels the myth that no black men fought or were killed defending Gettysburg from the Confederate invasion. By filling in the missing pieces, this book will help African Americans take back their own history in this dramatic struggle for freedom. African Americans and the Gettysburg Campaign will appeal to scholars and general readers alike. Civil War buffs and potential Gettysburg visitors will find the tour for today and points of interest sections valuable tools for enhancing their experience of this sacred ground. Maps, photographs, and illustrations appear throughout.

"Paradis, a former licensed battlefield guide at Gettysburg National Military Park and former lecturer and participant in Civil War round tables, addresses the many ways black Americans participated in the Gettysburg campaign, their influence on the military outcome, and the impact of the Civil War on their lives. He examines the active prewar role of Gettysburg citizens, both black and white, by describing characters from the black community in Gettysburg, including farmers, blacksmiths, teachers, veterinarians, preachers, servants, and laborers. Maps, photographs, and illustrations appear throughout. Two appendixes are included: black residents and points of interest in the town of Gettysburg, and a modern tour of Gettysburg and African Americans." - Reference and Research Book News