Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Grand Army of the Republic Hall
Photographed By Craig Swain, February 21, 2009
1. Grand Army of the Republic Hall Marker
This structure, built in 1822, served as the Methodist Church for nearly 50 years and still retains a portion of the original burial ground at the rear. After the battle, wounded were cared for here by the Catholic Sisters of Charity from nearby Emmitsburg, Maryland.
In 1880, the Methodists sold the building to the trustees of the Corporal J.H. Skelly Post #9 of the Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.), a Union veterans organization. Skelly, a Union soldier from Gettysburg, was mortally wounded at the Battle of Winchester, Virginia on June 13, 1863.
During its active years as a GAR Post the building became a true welcome center, with thousands of returning veterans hosted here during frequent "Campfire Meetings." Restored in 1990 by Historic Gettysburg-Adams County, the building is used for community functions and is the home of Camp #112, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War.
Erected by Main Street Gettysburg, Inc.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is June 1780.
Location. 39° 49.778′ N, 77° 13.773′ W. Marker is in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Adams County. Marker is on East Middle
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Grand Army of the Republic Memorial (here, next to this marker); Pioneer Organizers of Methodism in Adams County (within shouting distance of this marker); Public School (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); “bullets … rattling against our hospital … ” (about 400 feet away); Trinity United Church of Christ (about 400 feet away); "…in less than half an hour…" (about 400 feet away); The Adams County Prison (about 400 feet away); Politics and "Penelope" (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gettysburg.
More about this marker. On the right side of the marker is a photograph of the post members. Post #9 G.A.R. Union Civil War Veterans pose on November 20, 1913 during the 50th anniversary of President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. Photo courtesy Dr. Walter Powell.
Also see . . . G.A.R. Building. From Historic Gettysburg-Adams County, Inc. (Submitted on March 29, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)
Photographed By Craig Swain, February 21, 2009
2. Grand Army of the Republic Hall
The marker is at the right. Two replica cannon, resembling 3-inch Ordnance Rifles, flank the building.
Photographed By Craig Swain, February 21, 2009
3. Methodist Church
A plaque on the side indicates the dates the building was used as a church.
Photographed By Craig Swain, February 21, 2009
4. One of the Lions on Either Side of the Memorial
Credits. This page was last revised on February 26, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 29, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,532 times since then and 72 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on March 29, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
