Cumberland Township near Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Bloody Wheatfield
— July 2 1863 - Second Day —
Photographed By Craig Swain, September 17, 2008
1. The Bloody Wheatfield Marker
Pvt. James Houghton, USA
4th Michigan Infantry
In the summer of 1863, the golden wheat grew tall here. But at 4:30 p.m. on July 2, the Wheatfield was transformed into a whirlpool of death. Over a period of 2-1/2 hours this ground changed hands six times as Confederates of Longstreet's Corps attempted to smash the loosely-knit Union line.
The Confederate attackers came from your rear and left; Union reinforcements moved into the area from your front and right. In the various actions, soldiers found ready-made defenses at the stone wall behind you, and on the "stony hill" to your left. With each new attack, casualties mounted.
When the Union advance position at the Peach Orchard (1/2-mile northwest of here, to your left) collapsed about 6:30 p.m., Confederates began to surround the Wheatfield. The Federals fell back toward Cemetery Ridge, leaving pools of blood along their retreat route. By nightfall, the ravaged Wheatfield belonged to the Confederates.
Erected by Gettysburg National Military Park.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is July 2, 1863.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. Whirlpool of Death (here, next to this marker); Second Brigade (within shouting distance of this marker); 4th Michigan Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker); Third Brigade (within shouting distance of this marker); 62nd Pennsylvania Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker); 17th Maine Infantry (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); 57th New York Infantry (about 400 feet away); 115th Pennsylvania Infantry (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gettysburg.
More about this marker. In the center of the marker displays a painting by Gil Cohen depicting the aftermath of battle in the Wheatfield on the evening of July 2.
On the upper right is a painting of the Irish Brigade receiving absolution. Just before entering the desperate fight in the Wheatfield, Union soldiers of the Irish Brigade receive absolution from their sins.
Photographed By Craig Swain, September 17, 2008
2. The Wheatfield Pulloff
On the lower right is a portrait. Only a few yards from where you are standing, Col. Harrison H. Jeffords used his revolver to re-capture the colors of his 4th Michigan Regiment. A moment later a Confederate thrust a bayonet into his body, mortally wounding him.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. New Marker at this Location titled "Whirlpool of Death".
Photographed By Craig Swain, September 17, 2008
3. The Heavily Contested Wheatfield
Photographed By Henry T. McLin, January 3, 2009
4. The Bloody Wheatfield winter view.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 5, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 6, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,361 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 6, 2008, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 4. submitted on January 4, 2009, by Henry T. McLin of Hanover, Pennsylvania.
