'First Shot Marker' to be dedicated Aug. 11 at Camp Kane

At 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, the Camp Kane Heritage Foundation of St. Charles will be unveiling and dedicating a full-size replica of the "First Shot Marker" found on Seminary Ridge in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

On June 30, 1863, on the Chambersburg Pike near Seminary Ridge, Lt. Marcellus Jones, Co. E, 8th Illinois Cavalry, fired the first shot in one of the greatest battles in American history. Jones is credited with having fired the first shot in the Battle of Gettysburg.

Why is this significant to Illinois, Kane County, and St. Charles? Because the 8th Illinois Cavalry was raised and trained in St. Charles, Illinois. Camp Kane is located at the lower end of what is known today as Langhum Park. The Regiment was raised by Colonel John Farnsworth of St. Charles. The regiment served a full five years of the Civil War, fought in 11 major engagements, were among the first Union troops on the field at Gettysburg.

Farnsworth was a major figure in American politics in the early 1800s. He was a staunch Abolitionist, a co-founder of the Republican Party, a personal friend of Abraham Lincoln, and nominated Lincoln as the Republican candidate for President.

On Sept. 18, 1861, 1,164 men were mustered into the Union Army at Camp Kane.

The monument is being donated by the James Fraley Family of Sandwich, Ill. The family's great-great-grandfather Morgan Hughes served with Co. E of the 8th Illinois as their bugler. He was with the company when they made their heroic stand on Seminary Ridge during the Battle of Gettysburg.

It was Hughes who escorted the body of Brig. Gen. Elon Farnsworth, John's nephew, home to Illinois after his death at Gettysburg.

The Fraley family has placed Morgan's bugle, mess kit, photos, and discharge papers on display with the National Military Park as part of the "First Shot" display at Gettysburg.

"The honor of having this monument as part of our Camp Kane display is a significant reminder of those who trained here and fought to keep this country together," said Bob Johnson, Camp Kane Heritage Foundation.

"To think that his bugle sounded the first notes to start the largest battle on North American soil is a very sobering thought," James Fraley said.

Camp Kane is located on Route 25, just south of downtown St. Charles between St. Charles and Geneva. It is located along the east side of the Fox River.

For information, visit www.campkane.org or follow the foundation on Facebook.