Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
I can see them yet
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, June 7, 2013
1. “I can see them yet . . . ” Marker
This building was the home of the James Pierce family during the Battle of Gettysburg. Tillie Pierce, a 15 year old school girl at the time, provided a vivid account of events from those days.
The alarm that “The Rebels Are Coming!” caused a mass exodus from Gettysburg by free, African-American citizens (8% of the population) who feared capture and enforced slavery. Tillie described their passing by her house: “I can see them yet; men and women with bundles children also.... The greatest consternation was depicted on all their countenances as they hurried along; towards the woods on Culps Hill.”
On the morning of July 2nd Confederate sharpshooters established their headquarters along the Breckenridge St. side of the Pierce house. For two days Confederates sheltered themselves outside the building while inside the Pierces successfully hid and sustained five wounded soldiers.
Following the battle the Pierce family took in and nursed the severely wounded Col. William Colvill, 1st Minnesota Infantry, to a successful recovery.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is July 2, 1931.
Location. 39° 49.604′ N, 77° 13.87′ W. Marker is in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
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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: Caught In The Crossfire (a few steps from this marker); Annoying the enemy very seriously (a few steps from this marker); Shriver's Four Square Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); 267 Baltimore St. (within shouting distance of this marker); A Union General Escapes Capture (within shouting distance of this marker); Mary Virginia Wade (within shouting distance of this marker); Jennie Wade Birthplace (within shouting distance of this marker); Tigers in the Homan House (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gettysburg.
Other markers no longer nearby. Schriver's Saloon and Ten-Pin Alley (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Civilians Caught in the Crossfire (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Baltimore Street Facade (was about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been confirmed missing).
More about this marker. The right side of the marker contains a portrait of Tillie Pierce (ca. 1863).
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, June 7, 2013
2. Marker in Gettysburg
Photographed by Bill Coughlin, June 7, 2013
3. Marker at the Tillie Pierce House
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 22, 2019
4. Nearby window display for Tillie Pierce
Credits. This page was last revised on April 26, 2021. It was originally submitted on June 8, 2013. This page has been viewed 1,294 times since then and 36 times this year. Last updated on August 27, 2020, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 8, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 4. submitted on February 24, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
