Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The "Jack" Hopkins House
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. Marker is on South Washington Street south of West High Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at
this page online
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 February 25, 2019. It was originally submitted on February 24, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 1,006 times since then and 67 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.
