February 2024 Meeting
Join us at the February meeting of the Southern Indiana Civil War Roundtable (SICWRT) for an engaging evening of history and discovery. Our gathering takes place on the third Thursday of the month, February 15th, at 7:00 p.m., hosted at the Evansville Fraternal Order of Police, located at 801 Court St, Evansville, Indiana 47708. This event is free and open to all who share an interest in the Civil War and its enduring impact.
This month, we are honored to feature Charles Rebesco, a passionate Civil War historian and licensed battlefield guide at Gettysburg National Military Park, presenting “Last Men Standing—the 20th Indiana Infantry.” The 20th Indiana Infantry, often overlooked in the annals of the Army of the Potomac, played a crucial role in many key Eastern Theater campaigns, with the notable exception of Antietam. Despite the participation of 2,000 Indiana soldiers at Gettysburg, the men of the 20th Indiana remain among the least recognized. Their story is overshadowed, lost amidst the chaos of the 3rd Corps’ tribulations and the famed sites of battle like the Wheatfield and Devil’s Den. Yet, their valiant stand on July 2nd challenges our understanding of the 3rd Corps and marks them as truly “the last men standing.”
Charles Rebesco, a retired pulmonologist with over 40 years of residence in Northwest Indiana, brings a general interest in Civil War history to life with his insights and stories. Since 2018, he has served as a guide at Gettysburg, enriching visitors’ understanding of the battlefield and its heroes.
Don’t miss this opportunity to delve into the forgotten tales of the 20th Indiana Infantry, exploring their unique contribution and valor at Gettysburg. Engage with fellow history enthusiasts and uncover the layers of our past that continue to shape our understanding of the Civil War.