Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
“… your sister is dead.”
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, November 6, 2010
1. “. . . your sister is dead.” Marker
On the morning of July 1st, Gettysburg resident Jennie Wade and her family fled their town home to this brick double house shared by her sister Georgia McClellan, to distance themselves from the fighting. The Union retreat to Cemetery Hill soon placed Jennie and the rest of the household in the direct path of danger.Despite the menace of stray bullets that constantly struck the house walls, Jennie busied herself furnishing water and baking biscuits for the many soldiers manning the nearby Union picket line.
Early on the morning of July 3rd, fate claimed Gettysburg’s only civilian fatality. Jennie was killed instantly by a random Confederate bullet while preparing biscuit dough in the kitchen. He mother saw her fall and sadly informed the rest of the family “. . . your sister is dead.”
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: War, US Civil • Women. A significant historical date for this entry is July 1, 1944.
Location. 39° 49.399′ N, 77° 13.853′ W. Marker is in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Adams County. Marker is on Baltimore Street (Pennsylvania Route 97) when traveling
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Jennie Wade (here, next to this marker); The Wagon Hotel on Cemetery Hill (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); “The National Homestead at Gettysburg” (about 400 feet away); Gettysburg's First Municipal Water Supply (about 400 feet away); The Civil War Comes to Gettysburg (about 500 feet away); Battle of Gettysburg (about 500 feet away); Caught in the Crossfire (about 500 feet away); The John Rupp House and Tannery Site (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gettysburg.
More about this marker. The right side of the marker contains a photograph depicting “A circa 1890 view of the Georgia McClellan residence. The fatal bullet pierced the door visible in the left side wall. The likeness of Jennie [which appears to the right] is from an 1861 photograph.”
Also see . . .
1. Jennie Wade. A tragic Story. (Submitted on November 6, 2010, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.)
2. Mary Virginia "Jennie" Wade at FindAGrave.com. (Submitted on July 13, 2011, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, November 6, 2010
2. Gettysburg Marker
A statue of Jenny Wade can be seen behind the marker.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, November 6, 2010
3. Marker at the Jennie Wade House
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, October 9, 2007
4. Jennie Wade House
The house where Jennie Wade was killed is now a museum that is open to the public.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 20, 2017
5. Inside the Jennie Wade House
Jennie is seen making bread inside the house where she died. The bullet passed through the side door and the green door seen in the photo before hitting and killing her.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, November 6, 2010
6. Jennie Wade Statue
This statue of Jennie Wade stands in front of the house behind the marker.
Jennie Wade, aged 20 years 2 months
Killed here – July 3, 1863
while making bread for the Union soldiers
Jennie Wade, aged 20 years 2 months
Killed here – July 3, 1863
while making bread for the Union soldiers
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, November 5, 2010
7. Grave of Jennie Wade
Jennie Wade is buried in nearby Evergreen Cemetery.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 23, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 6, 2010, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 1,598 times since then and 252 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 6, 2010, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 5. submitted on April 21, 2017, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 6, 7. submitted on November 6, 2010, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
