Cumberland Township near Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The First Shot
July 1, 7:30am
Photographed By Larry Gertner, May 11, 2023
1. The First Shot wayside
Here, at the Ephraim Wisler House, troopers of the 8th Illinois Cavalry established an advance picket post. Their mission was to guard the Chambersburg Pike and alert Union Gen. John Buford’s cavalry division, one-mile behind you, of any enemy movement towards Gettysburg. At 7:30 am, advancing Confederates were sighted crossing Marsh Creek one half mile to your front. Union Lt. Marcellus Jones rested a carbine on a nearby fence post and pulled the trigger. Jones’ shot was likely the first fired during the Battle of Gettysburg. Over the next two days, an estimated 7 million bullets were fired, causing more than 51,000 casualties and forever changing the nation.
Erected by National Park Service.
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° 51.054′ N, 77° 16.819′ W. Marker is near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Adams County. It is in Cumberland Township. Marker can be reached from Chambersburg Road east of Knoxlyn Road, on the right. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1495 Chambersburg Rd, Gettysburg PA 17325, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. First Shot - Gettysburg (within shouting distance of this marker); Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.3 miles away);
this page online
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. First Shot - Gettysburg
Photographed By Larry Gertner, May 11, 2023
2. The First Shot wayside
The wayside is at the edge of the brand-new parking lot at the site.
via Google Earth, unknown
3. The Chambersburg Pike
The land west of Gettysburg was far more open in 1863 than it is today. Dismounted Union Cavalry would have had a good view of the surrounding countryside and any approaching enemy. (Ancillary wayside text)
Photographed By Larry Gertner, January 1, 2004
4. The Ephraim Wisler House, 2011
Built in 1837, the house to your left was home to 31-year-old blacksmith Ephraim Wisler and his family. Wisler was nearly injured on July 1, when an artillery shell exploded at his feet. He died one month later, allegedly as a result of the shock. (Ancillary wayside text)
Photographed By Larry Gertner, May 9, 2022
5. The Ephraim Wisler House, 2022
The National Park Service recently finished restoring the house to its battlefield appearance.
Photographed By Larry Gertner, January 1, 2004
6. The First Shot Marker
In 1886 veterans of the 8th Illinois Cavalry dedicated a small limestone marker denoting the location of the first shot. It can be found on the far side of the house, near the Chambersburg Pike. (Ancillary wayside text)
Credits. This page was last revised on May 17, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 16, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 139 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on May 16, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.
