Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Seminary Comes to Gettysburg
Photographed By Karl Stelly, July 8, 2013
1. The Seminary Comes to Gettysburg
Beginning in the late 17th century, large waves of European settlers flooded into William Penn's colony in pursuit of opportunity and religious freedom. By the early 19th century, American Lutheran leaders realized that an institution dedicated to the training of pastors would be needed to address the spiritual needs of growing congregations in the expanding settlements of the country.
In 1826 Gettysburg was chosen over two other potential sites as the home for the Lutheran Theological Seminary. Among the factors that influenced this decision was Gettysburg's proximity to the supporting congregations in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia, the town's accessibility from major population centers, and its prospects for growth as the seat of Adams County. Temporarily quartered in a building on the corner of High and South Washington Streets, the institution moved to its present location on Seminary Ridge in 1832. Within two years, the Seminary added two professor's homes along the ridge in front of you. It is recognized as the oldest Lutheran school of theology in the Western Hemisphere.
Erected 2013 by The Seminary Ridge Historic Preservation Foundation. (Marker Number 1.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion
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Location. 39° 49.946′ N, 77° 14.541′ W. Marker is in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Adams County. Marker is at the intersection of North Hay Street and Elm Street, on the right when traveling south on North Hay Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Gettysburg PA 17325, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 10 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Gettysburg Seminary (within shouting distance of this marker); The Gauntlet of Union Retreat and Aftermath (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Life as a Seminary Student (about 400 feet away); Gettysburg Seminary Ridge Museum (about 500 feet away); The Seminary Hospital (about 500 feet away); Valentine Hall (about 500 feet away); Samuel Simon Schmucker Hall (about 600 feet away); Manor of Maske (about 600 feet away); Crisis Comes to the Seminary's Back Door (about 600 feet away); Samuel Simon Schmucker (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gettysburg.
More about this marker. This marker is Stop 1 on the
Photographed By Brian Scott, September 23, 2015
2. The Seminary Comes to Gettysburg Marker
Regarding The Seminary Comes to Gettysburg. For more information and a map of the Seminary Ridge Historic Walking Trail, go to seminaryridgemuseum.org.
Photographed By Brian Scott, September 23, 2015
3. The Seminary Comes to Gettysburg Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 12, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 12, 2013, by Karl Stelly of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 491 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on July 12, 2013, by Karl Stelly of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. 2, 3. submitted on December 6, 2015, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
