Major General George J. Stannard was Vermont’s greatest Civil War hero. With the exception of his critical role at Gettysburg, little has been written about him. Vermont Hero: Major General George J. Stannard fills this historical void. George Stannard, a militia colonel, was the first Vermonter to volunteer in the Civil War. He served from June 21, 1861, to June 28, 1866. Some significant highlights of his military career include his position as colonel of the Ninth Vermont; his participation in the events that occurred at Harpers Ferry on September 15, 1862; his role in defeating Pickett’s Charge at Gettysburg; and his role in capturing Fort Harrison on September 29, 1864.