George Fisher McFarland (April 28, 1834 – December 18, 1891) was an American educator from Juniata County, Pennsylvania and an officer in the Union Army during the Civil War.

At age fifteen, the family moved to the city of Harrisburg, and he began working as a boat pilot with his father on the Susquehanna River.

Under McFarland's administration, the academy taught mathematics, science, music, languages, art, and physical education.

[2] When the American Civil War began in April, 1861, McFarland chose to remain in McAlisterville and continue his duties as an educator.

In July, President Abraham Lincoln issued a call for 300,000 additional volunteers to enlist in the Union Army.

Having spent the night of June 30 encamped along Marsh Creek roughly six miles southwest of the town of Gettysburg, the regiment received orders to march shortly before 8:00 AM the next morning.

Gen. Solomon Meredith, had been the first infantry engaged that morning and were being worn thin as they attempted to repel repeated attacks from Confederate Maj. Gen. William Pender's division.

As the Iron Brigade fell back, the 151st held off several enemy attacks along Willoughby Run, which ran through Herbst Woods.

"[4] McFarland, horrified at the realization that his men may have lost their colors, was about to reply when a gust of wind flung the flag out.

Shortly after Gettysburg, McFarland and the 151st Pennsylvania Infantry were mustered out of the Union army, their nine-month term of enlistment having expired.

One of his children, J. Horace McFarland, started to work in his father's printing shop at age twelve and became one of the first American publishers to sound the call for environmental and scenic protection.