General Joshua L. Chamberlain

1828 - 1914. General Chamberlain was born in Brewer, Maine in 1828. He later moved to Brunswick where he studied at Bowdoin College until 1862 when he volunteered his services to the 20th Maine Infantry Regiment during the Civil War. As a lieutenant colonel, Chamberlain distinguished himself in the Battle of Gettysburg by successfully turning back confederate attacks on Little Round Top, an accomplishment for which he was awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. This event was arguably the turning point of this epic battle. Chamberlain is also famous for being chosen by Union General Ulysses Grant to receive the formal surrender of weapons and colors of Lee's Army of the Northern Virginia at the Appomattox Court House. After attaining the rank of general, Chamberlain returned home to a hero's welcome and later served as the president of Bowdoin College. He was also elected to four terms as Maine's Governor. For more information visit http://www.curtislibrary.com/chamberlain.htm