Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
"uncertainty and dread"
Life for Gettysburg citizens during Confederate occupation was both confining and dangerous. Families sought safety in their cellars. Bullets flew across the streets and errant shells occasionally struck buildings. Albertus McCreary, whose house was nearby (now the site of Prince of Peace Episcopal Church), recalled, "the bullets were continually flying across our yard, so that none of us dared to go out."
Despite the constant danger only a few civilians were hurt and only one, Jennie Wade, was killed. The real suffering was from mental anxiety. In the words of one townsperson, "every hour was one of uncertainty and dread."
Erected by Main Street Gettysburg.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is July 1, 1863.
Location. 39° 49.726′ N, 77° 13.859′ W. Marker is in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Adams County. Marker is at the intersection of Baltimore Street (Business U.S. 15) and High Street, on the right when traveling north on Baltimore 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. Gettysburg Address Memorial and Abraham Lincoln Statue (here, next to this marker); Presidents Attended Service Here (within shouting distance of this marker); Field Hospitals - Cavalry Corps (within shouting distance of this marker); The Memorial Church of the Prince of Peace (within shouting distance of this marker); Temples of Mercy (within shouting distance of this marker); Politics and "Penelope" (within shouting distance of this marker); “ . . . I Am Going To Die” (within shouting distance of this marker); Manor of Maske (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gettysburg.
More about this marker. On the right is a painting by Don Troiani captioned, A Gettysburg family suffers through the battle in the safety of a cellar.
Credits. This page was last revised on August 9, 2020. It was originally submitted on April 20, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,616 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 20, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 3. submitted on July 31, 2020, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. 4. submitted on April 20, 2009, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. 5, 6. submitted on July 31, 2020, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.