Located about 3 miles southeast of Gettysburg, PA, this farm house, built in 1862, is now a charming B&B. Our room was on the second floor, overlooking the expansive front lawn where this picture was taken. The second story floor boards were wide planks that sagged in some areas and creaked with every step; a burglar would have a tough time sneaking into anyone’s room on the second floor. The main floor parlor was furnished with Civil War period pieces, and had several albums of pictures and news stories about the house.
Imagine, having just built the house of your dreams in 1862, and having the Union Army take over your farm the very next summer to use as a field hospital during the Battle of Gettysburg. The army officer in charge was sympathetic with the family’s plight, but under the circumstances, had no other choice but to confiscate the property for his wounded troops. To show his gratitude for the family’s sacrifice, he allowed the family to stay in the upper floors and limited the army surgeons to perform their operations only in the parlor and the dining room. Post operation recovery took place in the barn.
This is one of many Civil War homes that are still used in and around Gettysburg National Park. The homes on park property are used to house Park Rangers.
This tranquil setting is home of another lucky Park Ranger. Its a typical farm scene of that era, but the cannons in the field behind the house are constant reminders of this hallowed ground. See photo below.
Time for a Cliff Claven (postman from “Cheers”) moment. Ahhh, its a little known fact that Jennie Wade was the only civilian killed at Gettysburg. A young woman of 19-20 went to this house to visit her sister’s new baby. While in the house, she was struck by an errant musket ball.
Typical barn found in many places on the expansive battlefield. This wide-open area is part of the field that Confederate troops had to cross under heavy cannon fire from the Union troops located in the hills behind the barn.
Typical barn design for this area. I’m not sure what purpose the overhang serves; is it a “patio” for the horses. 🙂 If anyone knows what its for, please let me know. Thanks.
Union officers used the cupola atop the Lutheran Seminary as a lookout post to direct their troops during the first day’s battle. The seminary still operates today.
Other photos of Gettysburg buildings are shown below:
Located on the City Square, Abraham Lincoln stayed with David Wills the night before he gave the Gettysburg Address, and is believe to have composed the Address the night before.
Still open today. Nothing historic that I know of happened here, but the side of the building is pock-marked with over 150 bullet holes. See close-up photo below:
An identity plate like this is located on any structure that was in place during the Battle of Gettysburg, and serves as certification of its authenticity.
Thought for the Day: Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery, I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally. Abraham Lincoln
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