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

The Seminary Hospital

Photographed By Larry Gertner, September 10, 2016

1. The Seminary Hospital wayside

Inscription. Near this spot on the afternoon of July 1, 1863, Lt. Col. George F. McFarland, 151th Pennsylvania Volunteers, fell severely wounded as a deadly Confederate crossfire swept Seminary Ridge. Struck in both legs, he fell instantly. A private hoisted McFarland up and carried him in the north end of the Seminary building as rebel forces approached from the west. “I lay on the floor in my blood”, recalled McFarland. Late on July 3, he was placed on a makeshift operating table and his right leg was amputated just below the knee.

Following the Confederate retreat, his wife and two young children traveled to Gettysburg to be by his side. The Seminary hospital provides shelter and comfort for the wounded from both sides until September 16 when McFarland was the last patient to leave. His story is depicted in the museum 3rd floor exhibit. Although his injuries crippled him for life, McFarland later served as the first superintendent of the Pennsylvania Soldiers’ Orphan Schools system in McAlisterville, Pennsylvania.

Erected by Seminary Ridge Museum. (Marker Number 8b.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Science & Medicine • War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is July 1, 1863.

Location. 39° 49.933′ N, 77°

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14.65′ W. Marker is in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Adams County. Marker is on Seminary Ridge, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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. Gettysburg Seminary Ridge Museum (a few steps from this marker); Samuel Simon Schmucker Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); Manor of Maske (within shouting distance of this marker); Crisis Comes to the Seminary's Back Door (within shouting distance of this marker); Life as a Seminary Student (within shouting distance of this marker); Gettysburg Seminary (within shouting distance of this marker); Gettysburg Campaign (within shouting distance of this marker); Emanuel Bell Tower (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gettysburg.

Regarding The Seminary Hospital. The marker and ambulance were not present when the museum first opened.

Also see . . . Seminary Ridge Museum. The Seminary building is now a museum. (Submitted on April 14, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)

The Seminary Hospital Marker location image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Larry Gertner, November 9, 2013

2. The Seminary Hospital Marker location

The marker in in the vicinity of the benches close to the Seminary Ridge road; this photo predates its installation.

Photographed By Larry Gertner, September 10, 2016

3. Ambulance

A period ambulance is displayed near the marker. The red ball indicates it belongs to the First Division of the First Corps.

Lt. Col. George McFarland image. Click for full size.

From the Fields of Gettysburg, Unknown

4. Lt. Col. George McFarland

"I was carried into the Seminary by Private Lyman D. Wilson, Company F, the only man near me, and who narrowly escaped, a ball carrying away the middle button on my coat-sleeve while my arm was around his neck." - Lt. Col. George McFarland

"Steeped in Sorrow and Death" image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Larry Gertner, November 9, 2013

5. "Steeped in Sorrow and Death"

Mural at the third floor display "Caring for the Wounded": Gettysburg civilian Sarah Broadhead and others care for the wounded in the Seminary after the battle (Dale Gallon, 2013)

This is the newest of a series of 18 markers along a walking trail that winds through the area. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Larry Gertner, November 9, 2013

6. This is the newest of a series of 18 markers along a walking trail that winds through the area.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 14, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 15, 2017, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 321 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 15, 2017, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 4, 5. submitted on November 14, 2020, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 6. submitted on July 15, 2017, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.