1828 - 1914. General Chamberlain was born in Brewer, Maine in 1828. He later moved to Brunswick where he studied at Bowdoin College until 1862 when he volunteered his services to the 20th Maine Infantry Regiment during the Civil War. As a lieutenant colonel, Chamberlain distinguished himself in the Battle of Gettysburg by successfully turning back
confederate attacks on Little Round Top, an accomplishment for which he was awarded
the Congressional Medal of Honor. This event was arguably the turning point of this epic
battle. Chamberlain is also famous for being chosen by Union General Ulysses Grant to
receive the formal surrender of weapons and colors of Lee's Army of the Northern Virginia
at the Appomattox Court House. After attaining the rank of general, Chamberlain returned
home to a hero's welcome and later served as the president of Bowdoin College. He was
also elected to four terms as Maine's Governor.
