Emmitsburg in Frederick County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Gen. John F. Reynolds
"Dear Kate"
— Gettysburg Campaign —
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 27, 2020
This place has another connection to Reynolds after he was killed. Three years earlier, he met and fell in love with Catherine Mary (Kate) Hewitt. They had sailed together from San Francisco to New York and had exchanged rings. She received his West Point ring, and he a gold ring inscribed "Dear Kate." They planned to announce their engagement at a family party on July 8. Instead Reynolds' family members learned about his fiancée when she arrived to view his body and they discovered on him both a locket and the inscribed ring. Kate had promised Reynolds that if he was killed she would enter religious life. On March 17, 1864, she joined the Daughters of Charity. She completed her initial training here at Saint Joseph's Central House and went on mission to Albany, N.Y. She was reported to be in poor health in subsequent years, withdrew from the community in 1868 before pronouncing her vows, and disappeared from the historical records.
Erected by Maryland Civil War Trails.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • War, US Civil • Women. In addition, it is included in the Maryland Civil War Trails series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 30, 1863.
Location. 39° 41.934′ N, 77° 19.652′ W. Marker is in Emmitsburg, Maryland, in Frederick County. Marker can be reached from South Seton Avenue (Business U.S. 15) 1.7 miles north of Catoctin Mountain Highway (U.S. 15), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 339 South Seton Avenue, Emmitsburg MD 21727, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. St. Joseph's Valley Camp (a few steps from this marker); Daughters of Charity (a few steps from this marker); The First Statue of Mother Seton Erected in the United States (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Stone House (about 700 feet away); The Bells of St. Joseph's Valley (about 700 feet away); Sisters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul of New York (about 800 feet away); Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton (1774-1821)
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), March 27, 2020
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This marker replaces the linked marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 23, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 27, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 249 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 27, 2020, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3. submitted on November 15, 2020, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.