“History is important to each of us. Every generation has a story to tell, and the decisions people made, based on concerns they had at the time, directed us to the path we’re on today.” That’s how Sharon Sheppard began explaining the Civil War battle that took place on her family’s farm 150 years ago.

On June 30, 1863, in what is called the Battle of Hanover, Confederate General J.E.B. Stuart’s cavalry bumped into Union General Kilpatrick’s troops at Gitt’s Mill. In an action southwest of Hanover, the 2^nd North Carolina Cavalry split the 18^th Pennsylvania Cavalry in two, and some of the 18^th retreated to Hanover just as Stuart’s cavalry arrived. But then, the 5^th New York Cavalry arrived, and the Confederates fled.

Stuart moved his men to a ridge extending from the Keller farm southwest of Hanover to Mount Olivet Cemetery east of town. An artillery exchange ensued, with opposing cannons sending shells over Hanover. During this time, Union General Custer’s cavalry brigade dismounted and moved forward to attack Confederate General Chambliss’ 13^th Virginia Cavalry, which repelled the attack. For the rest of the afternoon, skirmishing continued until Stuart, low on ammunition, broke off the battle.

Sheppard’s own family lived here during the battle. “They owned Gitt’s Mill. Jeb Stuart spent the night at Union Mills. He asked a 16-year old relative to show him the back way to Hanover, which eventually got the boy admitted to Virginia Military Institute.”

The Sheppard family and Hanover Shoe Farms will host a reenactment of the cavalry battle at the farm. This reenactment is unique. First, it will take place exactly where the battle occurred. Second, the historically-accurate reenactment will be narrated, by J. David Petruzzi, co-author of Plenty of Blame to Go Around: Jeb Stuart’s Controversial Ride to Gettysburg. Also in attendance will be historian John Krepps, who used maps from the 1850s, civilian claims for war damages, and war reports to determine exactly where the troops bumped into each other. “Jeb Stuart” and” George Custer” will also be there; Hanover Shoe Farms will provide hay for the 250-275 horses expected to take part.

The reenactment raises money for a non-profit organization, and for the second time, the beneficiary will be the Land Conservancy of Adams County (LCAC).  Said Sheppard, “I consider this reenactment to be the proper event to benefit the Land Conservancy. People were more concerned about the land back then, and the direct connection they had to it was far more important because it meant life or death. They needed the land for the water resources and to grow their own food. They lived and worked there, assumed the next generation would stay.”

Gates to the family-oriented event, which will take place July 2 at the Sheppard farm in Union Township, will open at 11am. It will begin with a living history encampment at 1pm; the reenactment will start at 6pm. For tickets ($10 for ages 19+ and $5 for ages 12-18), visit the LCAC website at www.lcacnet.org/reenactment-july-2-2013 or call 717-334-2828.