Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Crisis Comes to the Seminary's Back Door
Photographed By Devry Becker Jones (CC0), November 11, 2020
Originally the Seminary's main building (1832), Schmucker Hall now serves as the Seminary Ridge Museum presenting Civil War exhibits on the first day of the battle, care of the wounded, the religious conflict over slavery, and the experience of African Americans in their struggle for freedom.
Field Hospital July-September 1863
From the first shots on July 1st the building became a refuge for the wounded and a major fixed field hospital. It remained so until mid-September, treating more than 600 wounded Union and Confederate soldiers inside and on the grounds. "It was a ghastly sight to see some of the men lying in pools of blood on the bare floor. Nights and days were alike spent in trying to alleviate the suffering of the wounded and dying," wrote young Lydia Ziegler of her experiences here. Following the battle, medical personnel struggled to save lives with limited staff and severe shortages of food, instruments, and supplies.
The "Peace Portico" before you was added in 1914 as a memorial to those treated and to create a proper entrance to replace what had been for nearly a century the building's back door.
We invite you to visit the museum. The entrance is on the opposite side of the building.
Erected 2013 by The Seminary Ridge Historic Preservation Foundation. (Marker Number 8.)
Topics and series. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Education • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Gettysburg - Seminary Ridge Historic Walking Tour series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1863.
Location. 39° 49.925′ N, 77° 14.673′ W. Marker is in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Adams County. Marker is in front of Schmucker Hall, now known as the Seminary Ridge Museum. It is about 300 yards south of the intersection with Buford Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 111 Seminary Ridge Avenue, Gettysburg PA 17325, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 10 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Samuel Simon Schmucker Hall (here, next to this marker); Manor of Maske (here, next to this marker); The Seminary Hospital (within shouting distance of this marker); Gettysburg Seminary (within shouting distance of this marker); Gettysburg Campaign (within shouting distance of this marker); Gettysburg Seminary Ridge Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); Life as a Seminary Student (within shouting distance of this marker); The Union Defense of Seminary Ridge (within shouting distance of this marker); Emanuel Bell Tower (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Valentine Hall (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gettysburg.