Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

"It seemed so awful..."

Photographed By Craig Swain, March 27, 2010

1. "It seemed so awful..." Marker

Inscription. During the retreat on July 1st by the Union 11th Corps, this area was a mass of demoralized troops and military vehicles frantically trying to escape pursuing Confederate rifle fire. Captain Fred Winkler, 26th Wisconsin Regiment, stood here and paused to emotionally reflect upon the scene: "It seemed so awful... It was the most humiliating step I ever took."

The sketch shown here is the only 1863 contemporary view of the town north along Carlisle Street known to exist. The scene created by artist Alfred Waud of Harper's Weekly clearly depicts the railroad station and Sheads and Buehler's hardware warehouse in the right foreground. McConaughy's Hall and the Washington Hotel buildings are seen on the left. Only the railroad station still stands.

The center is dominated by a barricade thrown up along the railroad tracks across Carlisle Street by Confederates. It was one of several constructed across north-south streets to protect against a Union attack from Cemetery Hill.

Erected by Main Street Gettysburg, Inc., National Park Service / American Battlefield Protection Program.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1925.

Location. 39° 49.897′ N, 77° 13.874′

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W. Marker is in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Adams County. Marker is at the intersection of Carlisle Street (Business U.S. 15) and Racehorse Alley, on the right when traveling north on Carlisle Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 19 Carlisle Street, 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. The Majestic Theater (within shouting distance of this marker); Gettysburg College's Majestic Theater (within shouting distance of this marker); Gettysburg College (within shouting distance of this marker); Hub of History (within shouting distance of this marker); "… It was enough to frighten us to death!" (within shouting distance of this marker); "by the skin of our teeth" (within shouting distance of this marker); Lincoln Square Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Western Maryland Station (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gettysburg.

More about this marker. On the right is an Alfred R. Waud pencil sketch, ca. July 5, 1863. [Courtesy of William A. Frassanito].

Photographed By Craig Swain, March 27, 2010

2. "It seemed so awful..." Marker

Intersection of Carlisle Street and the Railroad image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Swain, March 27, 2010

3. Intersection of Carlisle Street and the Railroad

Confederates placed a barricade across the road here during the battle of Gettysburg.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 30, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 1,420 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 30, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.