During the Civil War artillery units fought side-by-side with the infantry. At Gettysburg, Union batteries brutally held off Confederate charges and knock out opposing batteries. Their favorite artillery piece was a 1,200 pound light gun, the bronze Napoleon.
This peaceful Gettysburg farm scene was viewed from atop Seminary Ridge were Poague's howitzers, belonging to the Army of North Virginia, were placed in lunettes. Their mission was to repel any Union attack from the valley below. These guns were silent at Gettysburg, but the bloody battle raged all around.
Today's Pennsylvania farmers are facing a subtle battle of their own. The average age of Pennsylvania's farmers is increasing every year, with 22 percent over age 65. Too few young farmers are following in the business. One big reason, it's not profitable. Although 88 percent live on the farms they operate, nearly 50 percent work at other jobs to supplement their income. Commonwealth farmers spent almost 5 billion dollars on feed, seed and labor, while generating a paltry 411 million dollars in income. What lies in future for this tranquil Pennsylvania farm scene?