Gettysburg Town and Battlefield - an Overview of Hospital Sites

Gettysburg Town and Battlefield holds a special place in my heart. Evan after 145 years I can fill the sadness and the terrible suffering that took place on this hallowed ground. As I walk the land that once seen one of the most herndous battles between two American Armies, North and South, I have a sense of profoundness of what occurred there.

I am especially interested in the dead and wounded left behind. There are some good books written on this subject and one should read them. When I first got interested in the Civil War and Gettysburg, I read all the books I could get my hands on, but with all that reading, I still had no idea of what and how things happened there. On my first trip to Gettysburg, after I began to walk the land, from the first day's battle thru the 3rd day, I began to understand the death and destruction that took place there. I always tell my friends that I have to go to Gettysburg to get my "psychic batteries recharged". I always leave there with a better understanding of myself and a deep respect for all those soldiers, both north and south and of the civilian's in the area for what they endured.

At the time of the battle of Gettysburg there were 2,400 inhabitants in the town of Gettysburg. After the three day battle there were over 7000 killed and almost 26,000 wounded. Of these 26,000 wounded 21,000 remained behind in the houses, churches, and other buildings in and around the town. Along with the human debris left behind, there were also 5000 horses and other animals that were killed and left to rot in the hot July sun.

The wounded occupied every available public and private houses, also, in the outlaying areas of the town, barns and buildings on the battlefield were used as field hospitals. As you walk the streets of Gettysburg, look for the Civil War Marker that is on every building that was there during the battle. It is almost a sure bet that it once held wounded either North or South and sometime both.

If you walk down Carlisle Street, you'll come to the railroad trucks and on the right is the Railroad Depot. Early on the first day of battle this building was used as a hospital. At the corner of South Baltimore Street and High Street is the Presbyterian Church. This church held many wounded and dead. President Lincoln also attended church services there in November 1863. Other churches include, St James Lutheran Church, located on the South side of York Street at the corner of Stratton St, The Christ Lutheran Church, located on the South side of Chambersburg Street, a side note of this church is this is where Rev Horatio Howell, who was the chaplain of the 90th PA Reg as killed while standing on the steps. This church remains almost the same as it was in 1863. There are many more churches, so take some time and walk the town. I would suggest obtaining the services of a professional Town Guide; they are well worth the nominal cost.

Some of the hospitals sites on the battlefield itself that I would suggest to visit are: The George Rose Farm, used as a Confederate Hospital, had many confederates buried in the yard and surrounding area. The Abraham Trostle Farm, used as a hospital July 2, and 3rd. Note the cannon ball hole in the front of the barn. On the west side of Taneytown Road is the Lydia Leister Farm, used by Gen Meade as his headquarters, it held some wounded on July 3. One of the farm houses and barn that I personally have had the privileged to tour is the Jacob Weikert Farm on the West side of the Taneytown Road. General Weed who was wounded on Little Round Top died in the basement there. Also, Col O'Rourke and Lt Hazlitt were laid out on the front porch after being killed on Little Round Top.

There are many farms and buildings that you can visit while touring the battlefield. I would suggest hiring a License Battlefield Guide for your first visit to the Battlefield. After that read one of the many books on the battle and then go and walk the area to get a better understanding of what happen there.

There are so many aspects of this battle that even after many years of visiting the battlefield that I still learn something new with each visit. You must visit it more that once and please park your car and walk the land. Get a feel of the energies and emotions that were left behind and are still present. Be respectful, and honor the memories of those who paid the ultimate price for what they believed in. See you on the battlefield!