Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
“bullets … rattling against our hospital … ”
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, June 7, 2013
1. “bullets . . . rattling against our hospital . . . ” Marker
The High Street or “Common” School was Gettysburg’s first consolidated public school building. Prior to its erection in 1857 classes were held in individual buildings, often the home of the teacher.
Like the rest of the town’s public facilities the school became a hospital on July 1, 1863, when Union wounded began arriving from the battlefield. By evening it housed Union and Confederate casualties, separated by floors.
The school building was well suited for the task but the location was exposed to the constant fighting between skirmish lines in front of Cemetery Hill. The result was unnerving, but not life threatening. Pvt. Justus Sillman of the 17th Connecticut Infantry recalled, “bullets . . . rattling against our hospital, making a great racket.”
At the battle’s end a Union soldier, hiding in the school’s bell cupola since being cut off during the retreat on July 1st, emerged to enjoy his first meal in three days.
Erected by Main Street Gettysburg, Inc.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1814.
Location. 39° 49.717′ N, 77° 13.783′ W. Marker is in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in Adams County. Marker is on E High Street west of S Stratton Street, on
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Public School (a few steps from this marker); The Adams County Prison (a few steps from this marker); "…in less than half an hour…" (within shouting distance of this marker); Trinity United Church of Christ (within shouting distance of this marker); Pioneer Organizers of Methodism in Adams County (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Gettysburg Address Memorial and Abraham Lincoln Statue (about 400 feet away); Presidents Attended Service Here (about 400 feet away); "uncertainty and dread" (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gettysburg.
More about this marker. The right side of the marker features The High Street School (photo ca. 1888) as it appeared in 1863. Photo courtesy Adams County Historical Society.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, June 7, 2013
2. Marker in Gettysburg
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, June 7, 2013
3. “bullets . . . rattling against our hospital . . . ” Marker
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, June 7, 2013
4. Marker at the Public School
The marker is seen here on the left, in front of the Public School.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 26, 2023. It was originally submitted on June 8, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. This page has been viewed 819 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on June 8, 2013, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey.
