Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

"…the busiest scene I ever witnessed…"

Photographed By Craig Swain, March 27, 2010

1. "...the busiest scene I ever witnessed..." Marker

Inscription. On July 8, 1863, the U.S. Sanitary Commission commandeered the three story Fahnestock Bros. buildings as their "stone house" for food and other supplies. From here these critical provisions were distributed daily to the many field hospitals in and around Gettysburg that serviced over 21,000 wounded left behind by both armies.

The volume of life saving supplies arrived in such quantity that the stone rooms "...up to the ceilings were filled... the sidewalk was monopolized and even the street was encroached upon."

For a few critical days the Sanitary Commission was the primary source of food for both wounded and townspeople. This site in the eyes of one witness was "...the busiest scene I ever witnessed." The immediate crisis quickly passed and by July 25th the premises was returned to the Fahnestock family.

The building has been altered several times since its circa 1810 construction. In 1984 it was substantially rehabilitated for use as senior citizen housing.

Erected by Main Street Gettysburg, Inc., National Park Service / American Battlefield Protection Program.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1903.

Location. 39° 49.796′ N, 77° 13.874′ W. Marker

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is in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Adams County. Marker is at the intersection of Baltimore Street (Business U.S. 15) and West Middle Street, on the right when traveling south on Baltimore Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 47 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg PA 17325, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Thaddeus Stevens, the Great Commoner, 1792 - 1868 (within shouting distance of this marker); Adams County (within shouting distance of this marker); Adams County World War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); "…sights and sounds…too horrible to describe…" (within shouting distance of this marker); Memorial Day Order (within shouting distance of this marker); Manor of Maske (within shouting distance of this marker); Politics and "Penelope" (within shouting distance of this marker); The Stoever - Schick Building (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gettysburg.

More about this marker. On the right is a photo of the building in use by the Sanitary Commission. This July 9, 1863, photo shows the encroachment upon the street by Sanitation Commission supplies. During the morning of July 1st the roof of the building was used by General O.O. Howard, commander of the Union 11th Corps, to observe the fighting raging west of the town.

Credits. This page was last revised on December 1, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 1, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,361 times since then and 29 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on July 1, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.

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