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

Confederate Stronghold

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, October 9, 2007

1. Confederate Stronghold Marker

Inscription. In the afternoon of July 1st, 1863, after Union troops retreated south to Cemetery Hill, this 2½ story brick house was occupied by Confederate sharpshooters. Catherine Sweney and daughter, Lizzie, residents of the house, fled to safety.

The house was strategically located near Federal lines and its garret window provided a protected site for the Confederates during the next two days, while they maintained a deadly fire against Union forces on Cemetery Hill.

Some 150 bullet scars are visible in the brick wall in the proximity of the garret window, which now bear silent witness to the efforts of Union riflemen who sought to overcome this Confederate stronghold.

Erected by Main Street Gettysburg, Inc.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is July 1, 1895.

Location. 39° 49.535′ N, 77° 13.873′ W. Marker is in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Adams County. Marker is at the intersection of Baltimore Street (U.S. 15) and South Street, on the right when traveling south on Baltimore Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 401 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. Witness Tree (a few steps from this marker); Baltimore Street Facade (within shouting

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distance of this marker); "if anyone showed himself…" (within shouting distance of this marker); The Evolution of Gettysburg's "Common School" (within shouting distance of this marker); The Old Well (within shouting distance of this marker); Baltimore Street: An Historic Corridor (within shouting distance of this marker); ...Lincoln passed by... (within shouting distance of this marker); A Union General Escapes Capture (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gettysburg.

More about this marker. The right side of the marker features a photograph taken when Lincoln visited Gettysburg to deliver the Gettysburg Address. It contains the caption The Sweney House (arrow) as it appeared on November 19, 1863.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, July 18, 2014

2. Confederate Stronghold Marker

The marker can be seen to the left of the house.

The Sweney House image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, October 9, 2007

3. The Sweney House

The Sweney House, now the Farnsworth House Inn, is said to be haunted by Confederate sharpshooters who died during the battle. Like all structures that existed during the Battle of Gettysburg, is contains a rectangular "Civil War Building" plaque.

Battle Damaged Sweney House image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, October 9, 2007

4. Battle Damaged Sweney House

The garret window that was used by the Confederate sharpshooters can be seen near the roofline. Battle damage is also visible on this side of the house.

Battle Damage Detail image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Coughlin, October 9, 2007

5. Battle Damage Detail

Battle damage can still be seen near this window at the front of the Sweney House.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on March 13, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,922 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on March 13, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 2. submitted on July 20, 2014, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 3, 4, 5. submitted on March 13, 2008, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.