Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

"…what in your life you will never see again."

Photographed By Craig Swain, April 4, 2009

1. "...what in your life you will never see again." Marker

Inscription. This building was the Professor Michael Jacobs residence which remained in the family from 1834 until 1901. One of the town's leading citizens, Professor Jacobs was a member of the Gettysburg College faculty from its foundation in 1832 until his death, and the organizer of the Gettysburg Gas Works in 1859.

A keen observer and recorder of events and facts, Jacobs published the first book on the Gettysburg Campaign in the fall of 1863 and noted the temperature and weather at precise intervals on each of the three days of the battle.

Following the cessation of the great cannonade on July 3rd he sensed a critical moment in the struggle was at hand. Leaving the cellar for the garret he observed Pickett's men advancing on the Union center. Prophetically he called to his son Henry. "Quick! Come! Come! You can see now what in your life you will never see again."

Erected by Main Street Gettysburg.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1888.

Location. 39° 49.786′ N, 77° 14.006′ W. Marker is in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Adams County. Marker is at the intersection of West Middle Street (State Highway 116) and South Washington Street, on the right

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

when traveling west on West Middle Street. 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 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Stevens Log House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Camp Colt Officers Club (about 400 feet away); “… the battle itself proved a relief.” (about 400 feet away); Parish House (about 400 feet away); T.T. Tate House (about 400 feet away); Reverend Horatio S. Howell (about 500 feet away); Christ Lutheran Church (about 500 feet away); "…the pathos of those poor wounded men…" (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gettysburg.

More about this marker. On the right are portraits of Professor Michael Jacobs, ca. 1863 and Henry Jacobs, ca. 1862. Henry was 18 years old at the time of the battle. (Photos courtesy Gettysburg College.)

Also see . . . Notes on the Rebel Invasion of Maryland and Pennsylvania. The book written by Professor Jacobs after the battle. (Submitted on May 22, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.)

Photographed By Craig Swain, April 4, 2009

2. "...what in your life you will never see again." Marker

The Jacobs House image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, April 4, 2009

3. The Jacobs House

Credits. This page was last revised on March 10, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 22, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,816 times since then and 48 times this year. Last updated on March 8, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 22, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.