They Answered the Call: the 130th Pennsylvania – Jason Campbell

Using their own words from letters and diaries, Institute historian Jason Campbell will follow in the footsteps of the 130th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry on August 1. In the summer of 1862, Pennsylvania volunteers were recruited primarily from Cumberland and York Counties to fill the quota of a new, nine-month regiment. Within a month, the 130th Pennsylvania would “see the elephant” at the Battle of Antietam, charging toward the Sunken Road and suffering heavy losses – 32 killed and 146 wounded. Following the battle, the regiment would assist in burying the Confederate dead that remained in Bloody Lane. Their experience at Antietam would stay with them the rest of their lives and their courage at Antietam earned them a prominent monument on the battlefield to remind everyone, “They Answered the Call”.

Jason Campbell is a lifelong resident of Hagerstown, Maryland, and graduated from Hagerstown Community College and Hood College. Jason worked in retail for 16 years, ten of those years being with Target. Jason is a life-long Civil War enthusiast and began volunteering at Antietam National Battlefield in 2010. In 2012, Jason became a licensed battlefield guide at Antietam, where he gives tours ranging from families to tour groups to the diehard enthusiast. Jason’s experience on the battle of Antietam led to his becoming a seasonal ranger with the National Park Service at Antietam. Jason continues to work for the National Park Service as a park ranger on the National Mall and Memorial Park in Washington, D.C. Jason is a contributing author to the Antietam Institute’s Brigades of Antietam and Commanders of Antietam.

This two-hour hike covers approximately 1 ½ miles, across moderate terrain and park trails. All excursions will run from 9:30 to 11:30 am and start at the Visitor Center overflow parking area. The “Following in the Footsteps” hikes are for current members only, and advance registration is required (login before registering), but there is no fee to attend. Members are required to purchase the park entrance pass at the Visitor Center.