Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Civilians on Seminary Ridge
Curious townspeople gathered near the Seminary on the morning of July 1, "all eager to witness a brush with the Confederates and not dreaming of the terrible conflict that was to occur on that day." As soon as the fighting began in earnest, however, the spectators and the occupants of the ridge, ran into the town according to one witness "at a speed greater than double quick."
The Rev. Charles Philip Krauth, professor at the Lutheran Theological Seminary, and his family occupied the brick house before you. Like every other structure in the area it was soon filled with the wounded and dying. Following the capture of the ridge, Krauth and his family were forced to flee westward through the Confederate lines to safety. They returned to find their home ransacked and their possessions scattered over the lawn. On July 9, 1863, Krauth wrote: "After almost incredible escapes from destruction and death raging around us, we are alive in good health and greatly comforted....Our loss will be very considerable but we are not sorrowing our losses but rejoicing in our deliverance."
In the small stone house across the Lincoln Highway behind you, Mary Jane Arendt Thompson gave birth on June 30, 1863. The child, who lived only eight months, was named Jane Meade Thompson, and is thought to be the youngest resident of Gettysburg at the time of the battle.
Erected 2013 by The Seminary Ridge Historic Preservation Foundation. (Marker Number 16.)
Topics and series. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Education • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Gettysburg - Seminary Ridge Historic Walking Tour series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 1, 1863.
Location. 39° 50.038′ N, 77° 14.629′ W. Marker is in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Adams County. Memorial is on Buford Avenue. Marker is about 115 yards east of the intersection of Buford Avenue (US Route 30) and Seminary Ridge Avenue. 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. Confederate Prisoners of War (within shouting distance of this marker); This Breastwork (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Ewell's Corps (about 300 feet away); 95th New York Infantry (about 300 feet away); Stevens' Battery (about 300 feet away); Lee's Headquarters at Gettysburg (about 300 feet away); Elsie Singmaster (about 400 feet away); The Gauntlet of Union Retreat and Aftermath (about 400 feet away); a different marker also named Lee's Headquarters at Gettysburg (about 500 feet away); Emanuel Bell Tower (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gettysburg.
More about this marker. This marker is Stop 16 on the Seminary Ridge Historic Walking Trail.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 14, 2013, by Karl Stelly of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 718 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 14, 2013, by Karl Stelly of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. 6, 7. submitted on December 6, 2015, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. 8, 9. submitted on July 14, 2013, by Karl Stelly of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.