Near Gettysburg in Adams County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Lee's Headquarters at Gettysburg
Fighting and Photographs
Photographed By Karl Stelly, November 14, 2016
1. Lee's Headquarters at Gettysburg Marker
"There was no use in fighting any longer. The enemy had deployed and we were trapped. The town was before us, the enemy on either side, and behind us."
—Col. John Musser, 143rd Pennsylvania Infantry
On the afternoon of July 1, 1863, Confederate soldiers broke through this position en route to Gettysburg. Dead and wounded soldiers littered the ground in their wake while battle smoke hung in the air. Soon, Southern cannons were unlimbered on this spot while Gen. Robert E. Lee's couriers dashed back and forth. For the next three days, Thompson's property hosted a bustle of activity until the Confederate withdrawal after nightfall on July 4.
Some ten days later, Mathew Brady's cameramen recorded no fewer than seven photographs here including this panorama of Gettysburg. This photo, made from two glass plate images, was recorded from the Dustman house, just steps from where you stand.
Erected 2016 by The Civil War Trust and Civil War Trails.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Science & Medicine • War, US Civil. A significant historical date for this entry is July 1, 1863.
Location. 39° 50.106′ N, 77° 14.698′ W. Marker is near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. A different marker also named Lee's Headquarters at Gettysburg (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Lee's Headquarters at Gettysburg (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Lee's Headquarters at Gettysburg (a few steps from this marker); Lee's Headquarters At Gettysburg (within shouting distance of this marker); Headquarters of the Army of Northern Virginia (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Lee's Headquarters At Gettysburg (within shouting distance of this marker); 95th New York Infantry (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Lee's Headquarters at Gettysburg (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gettysburg.
More about this marker. This marker is one of a group of 5 new markers placed in October, 2016 after the demolition of the Quality Inn and the Appalachian Brewing Company (restaurant) that stood here on the site. The site has been restored to very nearly its 1863 appearance.
Photographed By Karl Stelly, February 20, 2017
2. Lee's Headquarters at Gettysburg
This view shows three of the wayside exhibit markers for Lee's Headquarters at Gettysburg. From left to right: "Restoring Seminary Ridge," "Fighting and Photographs," and "The Headquarters Complex."
Credits. This page was last revised on February 21, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 25, 2016, by Karl Stelly of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 401 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 25, 2016, by Karl Stelly of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. 2. submitted on February 23, 2017, by Karl Stelly of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
