MINING HISTORY
ROBERT SAVAKINUS
This year marks the second year of the sesquicentennial of the Civil War. So many people think of the Civil War in terms of a national event, but few realize the mark it made on our local community. One local figure, Ben Crippen, is especially significant and holds a place of honor at Gettysburg for his heroism. As a young man living in Dickson City, at the outbreak of the war, Crippen volunteered for service with the Union Army. He signed up for service with the 143rd Pennsylvania Infantry Regiment at Hyde Park on Sept. 6, 1862 and was stationed at Camp Luzerne.
On July 1, 1863, the 143rd was involved in the first day of fighting at the Battle of Gettysburg with the Army of the Potomac. The first day did not bode well for the Union soldiers. In the Lackawanna Historical Society’s Summer 2001 newsletter, then-president Alan Sweeney described Crippen’s experience: “They fought stubbornly to slow down the Confederate onslaught west of town. “Delivering volleys, loading while retreating, turning to fire once more, contesting every inch of ground, the Union troops made their retreat.” As the 143rd made their retreat, the color bearer was wounded and dropped the flag. It was Crippen who turned back from his retreat to retrieve the fallen colors. Confederate General A.P. Hill watched in amazement and was especially impressed by Crippen’s bravery.
Hill noted in his report that “a Yankee color bearer floated his standard in the field and the regiment fought around it and when at last the troops were obliged to retreat, the color bearer retreated last of all, turning around now and then to shake his fist in the face of the advancing Confederates.” It is because of Hill’s report that Crippen’s fate is documented. Crippen was killed in action during the fight and is assumed buried in a mass grave of 1,500 Union soldiers who perished on that day. After the war, members of the 143rd Regiment would hold annual reunions to commemorate their battles and remember the fallen. At their 1885 reunion, they discussed plans to erect a monument at Gettysburg in honor of Crippen.
The monument was completed and dedicated during Pennsylvania Day on Sept. 11, 1889 at the Gettysburg Battleground. The monument shows Crippen holding the flag during the fighting and shaking his fist at the advancing confederates. The same image is also portrayed in a painting displayed at Scranton’s GAR Museum to further pay tribute to this northeastern Pennsylvania hero. On April 14, the Lackawanna Historical Society will host its annual Civil War Ball at the Century Club. The evening of dancing includes music by period band Spare Parts and dance instruction from preceptor Martha Griffin. Call the Society at (570) 3443841 for more information on how you can step back in time.