Most people are not aware that many Pennsylvanians served and/or supported the Confederacy. Pennsylvanians enlisted in the Confederate Army and many civilians risked the penalty of execution to provide support to the Confederacy. These "Copperheads", as they were known, supplied information to the Confederacy and the advancing Army of Northern Virginia prior to the Battle of Gettysburg. They also provided food, money and other items to help the Cause.

Of the 16 Pennsylvania born generals that served during the war, 6 served the Confederacy. The highest ranking officer from Pennsylvania, on either side, was Confederate Lieutenant General John C. Pemberton of Philadelphia. Brigadier General Josiah Gorgas was one of the most instrumental men in sustaining the Confederate war effort while serving as Chief of Ordnance for the Confederate Army.

The Pennsylvania Division of the Sons of Confederate Veterans observes Confederate Memorial Day annually in May at the base of the Virginia Monument in Gettysburg National Military Battlefield Park.

Click Here to view the draft release of the Pennsylvania Confederate Heritage Educational Guide. This booklet will be finalized shortly and made available to the public in an effort to teach Pennsylvanians more about their often forgotten Confederate heritage. The information in this booklet will be enhanced with additional resources found in this section of the PA Division website once finalized.