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Pennsylvania civilians digging of earthworks on Hummel Heights.
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This contemporary drawing shows Pennsylvania civilians digging of earthworks on Hummel Heights, a high point on the western bank of the Susquehanna River across from Harrisburg.

Credit: Courtesy of Rick Sauers

Boom, boom, boom! The ear-piercing sound of Confederate artillery seemed to reverberate in the very bones of local witnesses. As loud as it was, the Rebel cannon shelling of June 28 and 29, 1863, pointed at one of Harrisburg's defensive positions at Oyster Point, caused little actual damage. Two days of incessant Confederate shelling did, however, mask the Rebel reconnaissance of Harrisburg. This contemporary drawing shows Pennsylvania civilians digging of earthworks on Hummel Heights, a high point on the western bank of the Susquehanna River across from Harrisburg. Traces of those breastworks can still be seen even today.

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