Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Diamond
" It was enough to frighten us to death!"
Photographed by Larry Gertner, July 26, 2025
1. The Diamond wayside
On the afternoon of June 26, 1863, Confederate cavalry dashed up Chambersburg Street and into the square. Shocked and frightened citizens fled the streets. Sara Broadhead recorded in her diary: "They came with such horrid yells that it was enough to frighten us to death!"
Confederate infantry soon followed, many busying themselves by shopping in local stores and paying the merchants with unwelcome Confederate money. Others set about looting several R.R. cars before burning them along with a nearby R.R. bridge. That evening a regimental band playing in the square serenaded the town with the tune "Dixie".
Anxious citizens arose the next morning to find the Confederates gone from Gettysburg, moving east toward York.
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 June 26, 1863.
Location. 39° 49.872′ N, 77° 13.884′ W. Marker is in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Adams County. It is at the intersection of Chambersburg Street and Carlisle Street, on the right when traveling west on Chambersburg Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Lincoln Square, Gettysburg PA 17325, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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
this page online
Another marker is no longer nearby. "by the skin of our teeth" (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
More about this marker. This replaces the previous wayside with the new version of the Main Street Gettysburg waysides that have been appearing throughout the town.
Regarding The Diamond. Troopers of the 35th VA. Battalion gallop into the "Diamond," intimidating citizens with shouts and pistol shots. Painting by Dale Gallon.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. The original wayside at this site - " It was enough to frighten us to death!"
Credits. This page was last revised on July 31, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 31, 2025, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 127 times since then and 14 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on July 31, 2025, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photograph of the wayside location area • Can you help?
