Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
"… It was enough to frighten us to death!"
Photographed by Craig Swain, March 27, 2010
1. "... It was enough to frighten us to death!" Marker
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, Inc., National Park Service / American Battlefield Protection Program. (Marker Number 7.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania, Main Street Gettysburg series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 26, 1863.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 39° 49.87′ N,
this page online
Regionally, this marker was in South-Central Pennsylvania. It was also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, in Appalachia, and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it was in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found 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 location: The Diamond (here, next to this marker); Lincoln Square Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Center Square (within shouting distance of this marker); North Along Carlisle Street
Photographed by Craig Swain, March 27, 2010
2. "... It was enough to frighten us to death!" Marker
Other markers 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); "It seemed so awful…" (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); The Stoever-Schick Building (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
More about this marker. On the right is a depiction of the Confederate arrival at Gettysburg. Troopers of the 35th VA. Battalion gallop into the "Diamond," intimidating citizens with shouts and pistol shots, described by Charles Tyson as "...some in blue and some in gray." Painting by Dale Gallon, 1993.
Related marker.
Photographed by Craig Swain, March 27, 2010
3. Another View of the Marker
Looking across the traffic circle.
Photographed by Craig Swain, March 27, 2010
4. The Diamond
The traffic circle in the center of Gettysburg evolved from "The Diamond."
Credits. This page was last revised on November 13, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 30, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,784 times since then and 53 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 30, 2010, by Craig Swain of Leesburg, Virginia.
