Cumberland Township near Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Whirlpool of Death
July 2, 4:30—6:30 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 Longstreet’s 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. Marker is on Sickles Avenue south of DeTrobiand Avenue, on the right when traveling north. The marker is located at Auto Tour Stop 9, “The Wheatfield.”. 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
this page online
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 Karl Stelly, February 4, 2024
2. Whirlpool of Death Marker
This is a view of the Wheatfield from the location of the marker.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 21, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 4, 2024, by Karl Stelly of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 115 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 4, 2024, by Karl Stelly of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A wide shot of the marker in context. • • Can you help?
