Historical Context

The Civil War began in April 1861 when Fort Sumter, in Charleston, South Carolina, was attacked and captured by the Confederates. On April 15th President Lincoln issued a Proclamation calling for 75,000 militiamen, and on April 19th issued a Proclamation of Blockade against Southern ports. On July 21st, the Union Army was defeated at Bull run, 25 miles southwest of Washington.

From August to October, 1861, Harlan's Light Cavalry was organized at Philadelphia as an independent Regiment, under authority of the Secretary of War. After moving to Washington, D.C., then to Camp Palmer in Arlington, Virginia, the designation of the Regiment was changed to the 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry.

Four long years later the War ended with the surrender of the Confederate Army under Robert E. Lee (on April 9, 1865) and the surrender of the remaining Confederate forces in May.

The 11th Pennsylvania Cavalry was mustered out at Richmond, Virginia, on August 13, 1865.

For a more detailed account of the intervening years of the Civil War, please refer to www.civilwar.com or The History Place, to name a few.