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America’s Civil War: Defense of Little Round TopBy James R. Brann | America's Civil War | 3 comments | Print This Post | Email This Post The problem with becoming a legend is that deeds may become distorted inadvertently due to commercial profits, hero worship and the sheer passage of time. Many American junior officers still look up to Chamberlain. Some take his deeds out of context, however, and mythologize him. Subscribe Today
Chamberlain’s vivid personality overshadows the regiment that made him famous — even though it was the regiment that saved the day. There is a Chamberlain museum in Brunswick, Maine; Chamberlain Pale Ale produced in Portland, Maine; and a Chamberlain Bridge exists in Bangor, Maine — yet no commercial product commemorates the 20th Maine Volunteer Infantry. Chamberlain overshadows the 20th Maine in the way that George S. Patton overshadows the U.S. Third Army in World War II. The valorous defense of Little Round Top will always belong to the 20th Maine Infantry and to Joshua L. Chamberlain as the regimental commander. But after weighing all the evidence, it seems fair to say that without the contributions of the 2nd Maine Infantry, Andrew J. Tozier, Company B and Holman Melcher, Chamberlain clearly and convincingly would have been defeated. Strong Vincent, Patrick O’Rorke and Ellis Spear also deserve greater recognition for their contributions. Joshua Chamberlain deserves much acclaim, but not to the exclusion of many others whom history has so far — and so unfairly — underrated. This article was written by James R. Brann and originally appeared in the November 1999 issue of America’s Civil War magazine. For more great articles be sure to subscribe to America’s Civil War magazine today! Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6Help HistoryNet by bookmarking to
            Tags: 19th Century, America's Civil War, American Civil War, Civil War, Gettysburg, Historical Conflicts
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3 Comments to “America’s Civil War: Defense of Little Round Top”
Sgt. Tozier’s Grandfather Lemuel was my Great Great Great
Grandfather. I have seen 20th Maine reinactors @ various
historic functions. I live in West Enfield, Maine
Enjoyed The Info
Bill Tozier
By William B.Tozier on Dec 20, 2008 at 8:57 pm
This is very informative and I thank you for it. There were many heroes that day – all the men of the regiment, including Sgt Tozier and Captain Spear in particular ways. The fact that the commanding officer of the unit is the name that appears on official citation takes nothing away from that. In fact, it is only logical for that time and place in history. The rift between Chamberlain and Ellis is something I had not known about before… Where can I get more information on it?
By Mark Ingoglio on Jun 17, 2009 at 11:17 am
Although I am a Chamberlain fan, it was the men of the 20th Maine and other units that bravely repulsed the Confederate attack on LRT. I also found the article very informative.
Thanks
By Nelson Audy on Jul 2, 2009 at 8:56 pm