Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The "Jack" Hopkins House
This house (#219) belonged to John Hopkins, an African American citizen, from 1851 until his death at age 62 in 1868. His wife Julia continued to live here until she passed away in 1891.
John Hopkins enjoyed a distinguished career of janitor at the Gettysburg College beginning in 1847. Known as "Jack the Janitor" he was immensely popular with students and faculty alike as attested by the presence of the entire college staff and student body at his funeral service.
Like most of Gettysburg's 200 Afro-American citizens the Hopkins family probably fled the town prior to the battle to avoid capture by the Confederates. The experience may have been a motivator for his son John Edward who joined the U.S. Colored Troops Regiment shortly following the battle at Gettysburg and served to the war's end.
Erected by Main Street Gettysburg, Inc.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Education • War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1851.
Location. 39° 49.686′ N, 77° 14.002′ W. Marker is in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Adams County. It is on South Washington Street south of West High Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 219 South Washington Street, Gettysburg PA 17325, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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Regionally, this marker is in South-Central Pennsylvania. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: " run home as quickly as you can." (within shouting distance of this marker); First Home of Seminary and College (within shouting distance of this marker); the battle itself proved a relief. (within shouting distance of this marker); John L. Burns (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Sisters of Charity of Emmitsburg (about 400 feet away); St. Paul's A.M.E. Zion Church (about 400 feet away); Agricultural Hall (about 400 feet away); . . . I Am Going To Die (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gettysburg.
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 22, 2019
3. Plaque on building
Building
July 1863
Credits. This page was last revised on August 12, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 24, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 2,527 times since then and 186 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 24, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
