Cumberland Township near Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Whirlpool of Death
July 2, 4:306:30 pm
| | Gettysburg National Military Park | |
Photographed by Karl Stelly, February 4, 2024
1. Whirlpool of Death Marker
In the summer of 1863, the golden wheat grew tall here. But at 4:30 pm on July 2, the Wheatfield was transformed into a whirlpool of death. Over a period of 2 1/2 hours this ground changed hands six times as Confederates of Longstreets Corps attempted to smash the loosely-knit Union line.
Confederate attackers came from your rear and left; Union reinforcements moved into the area from front and right. Soldiers found ready-made defenses at the stone wall behind you, and on the stony hill to your left. As the day and fighting ended the dead and wounded lay together on the trampled, blood-soaked wheat. Confederates took the Wheatfield, but casualties - an estimated 6,000 - 7,000 on both sides - were devastating.
Erected 2024 by National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is July 2, 1863.
Location. 39° 47.777′ N, 77° 14.602′ W. Marker is near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Adams County. It is in Cumberland Township. It is on Sickles Avenue south of DeTrobiand Avenue, on the right when traveling
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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: Second Brigade (within shouting distance of this marker); 4th Michigan Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker); Third Brigade (within shouting distance of this marker); 62nd Pennsylvania Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker); 17th Maine Infantry (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); 57th New York Infantry (about 400 feet away); 115th Pennsylvania Infantry (about 400 feet away); 81st Pennsylvania Infantry (about
Photographed by Karl Stelly, February 4, 2024
2. Whirlpool of Death Marker
This is a view of the Wheatfield from the location of the marker.
Another marker is no longer nearby. The Bloody Wheatfield (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Old Marker at this Location titled "The Bloody Wheatfield".
Also see . . . Gettysburg National Military Park. National Park Service (Submitted on February 5, 2024.)
Photographed by Mike McKeown, May 19, 2024
3. Whirlpool of Death Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on May 22, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 4, 2024, by Karl Stelly of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,392 times since then and 159 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 4, 2024, by Karl Stelly of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. 3. submitted on May 19, 2024, by Mike McKeown of Baltimore, Maryland. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
