08/30/2026
Poem and photo of John Burns Of Gettysburg. John Burns "The Citizen Hero of Gettysburg". Burns became a 69-year-old civilian combatant with the Union Army at the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War. He was wounded 3 times during the battle, but survived to become a national celebrity. When Lincoln arrived in Gettysburg to dedicate the cemetery and deliver the Gettysburg address the first person he wanted to meet was Burns. On July 1st 1863 Burns picked up a musket and fought next to the Iron Brigade on the west end of town. The Confederates eventually overran the position and Burns, severally wounded made his way back towards town. His wounds were treated and photographer Mathew Brady took the now famous photo of Burns recuperating from his wounds.
For an on location video about Burns see:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNf0ub6Yp-o&list=PLNo4QcrwvqRmo3iqn-rbP9AAjDipiykAm&index=172&t=39s
For more on the collections at The Gettysburg Museum Of History see:
www.GettysburgMuseumOfHistory.com
