GDG- Better late than never...

[George F]

I just got this from the Washington County
(Maryland) Visitors Bureau.  I wish I knew about
this earlier as  I think a "retreat from
Gettysburg and/or Battle of Falling Waters
(Mayland)" tour may have been more appropriate
than some of the tours they have planned...

"CVB Welcomes National Conference; Little Bighorn
Associates, Inc., Gather in Hagerstown for 35th
Annual Conference, July 16-19 

"(HAGERSTOWN, Md.) – Approximately 175 people are
expected in Hagerstown for the 35th Annual
Conference of the Little Big Horn Associates,
Inc., July 16-19, 2008. The organization is
comprised of more than 850 individuals from every
U.S. state and six foreign countries. All members
have a keen interest in studying the life and
times of General George Armstrong Custer and are
dedicated to seeking the truth about the man and
the famous battle that led to his death at the
age of 36. This year’s conference attendees come
from throughout the United States and one member
is traveling all the way from the United Kingdom.


"The Little Big Horn Associates alternates the
location of its annual conference. On even
numbered years, it is held east of the
Mississippi River and on odd numbered years it is
held west of the Mississippi River. All
conference locations have some tie to Custer. 

"Custer was a member of Union General George B.
McClellan’s staff during the Maryland Campaign of
1862. As part of this year’s conference,
attendees will be touring Harpers Ferry National
Historical Park, South Mountain State
Battlefield, and Antietam National Battlefield,
including the Pry House which served as
McClellan’s headquarters during the battle. 

"General Custer also led various cavalry
engagements throughout Washington County during
July 1863, following the Retreat from Gettysburg.
Custer was engaged in various battles and
skirmishes in pursuit of the Confederates, with
constant fighting at Monterey, Smithsburg,
Hagerstown, Williamsport, and Boonsboro. 

"George Armstrong Custer nearly died in
Hagerstown, 13 years before he met his fate
during the Battle of the Little Bighorn. The date
was July 12, 1863. Custer was standing in the
bell tower of the Zion Reformed Church on North
Potomac Street observing the Confederates, when a
sniper fired a shot that instead struck one of
the tower’s bells. 

"Hagerstown’s Four Points by Sheraton is the host
hotel and is the location for the Little Big Horn
Associates’ annual banquet this week. 

“The Hagerstown community has been warm and
friendly during our conference planning,” said
Bill Blake, chairman of the board for The Little
Big Horn Associates and the conference planning
committee. “Betsy De Vore and the Convention and
Visitors Bureau (CVB) staff have been so
helpful.”"

Anyone in this forum a member of LBA?

George F Franks III
Daniel Donnelly House (1830)
Williamsport, Maryland