Untold Stories Highlight Heroism of Gettysburg Residents

The Shriver House features a sniper’s nest in the attic, where Confederate sharpshooters took aim during the battle.

As the site of one of the most pivotal battles of the Civil War, Gettysburg, PA, is full of stories of heroism, sacrifice, and strength. While many of these tales honor the brave soldiers who fought and died for their ideals, less is often shared about the residents—especially the incredibly brave women—who were trapped in the middle of the battle. Their contributions played a major role in the war that pitted brother against brother.

You can experience what it was like to be a civilian in Gettysburg in the immersive “Caught in the Crossfire” house at the Beyond the Battle Museum.

The Gettysburg Beyond the Battle Museum is a must-visit for those who want to put a human face on a war that resulted in more than 50,000 casualties. The museum shares the stories of lesser-known heroes like Mag Palm, a free Black woman who fought off kidnappers—likely intending to sell her into slavery—and bravely testified against them. Another is 21-year-old schoolteacher Sallie Myers, who volunteered as a nurse despite being sickened by the sight of blood. She later married the brother of her very first patient.

Visitors can experience what it was like to be a civilian in Gettysburg in the museum’s immersive “Caught in the Crossfire” house. Hiding in the home while battle rages around you isn’t for the faint of heart—it’s loud and terrifying, making the brutality of war all too real. It’s a stark reminder of how many lives—both civilian and soldier—were forever changed by the battle.

Visitors to the Jennie Wade House Museum can see the kitchen where Jennie died, as well as a bullet still in the mantle.

One of the better-known civilian victims of the war was Jennie Wade, the only civilian killed during the Battle of Gettysburg. Her story is told at the Jennie Wade House Museum, located in the home where she died. Jennie and her mother were staying at the house—owned by Jennie’s sister—to help care for her and her new baby. An estimated 150 bullets struck the house during the battle; one of them killed Jennie as she baked bread for Union soldiers.

A painting on the wall entitled “Through a Mother’s Eyes” depicts Jennie Wade’s body lying in the basement while the family hid from Confederate soldiers.

Visitors can still see the kitchen where Jennie died, complete with a bullet lodged in the mantle, as well as the cellar where her family and Union soldiers hid while Confederate troops passed by. Because Jennie’s mother refused to leave her daughter’s body, the soldiers eventually carried Jennie to the basement. A painting on the wall titled “Through a Mother’s Eyes” depicts that heartbreaking scene.

Patty Hawthorn, in period costume, shares the stories of 16 brave women who made history during her Women’s History Tour.

To delve deeper into the role women played in the battle, book a Women’s History Tour with Patty Hawthorn of Hidden Memories Tours. This 90-minute walking tour of downtown Gettysburg highlights 16 remarkable women, including 52-year-old widow and entrepreneur Lydia Lyster, who repaired her battle-scarred house by selling 750 pounds of horse bones left behind for fertilizer.

Dressed in period garb, Hawthorn shares the stories of women like 23-year-old Josephine Miller, considered the “bravest woman in Gettysburg” for staying in her home throughout the battle to bake bread for Union soldiers. You’ll also learn about Cornelia Hancock, who, despite being too young to serve as a nurse, worked through at least five battles and later opened the Laing Normal & Industrial School for Black students in South Carolina. You might even hear about Annie Warner, who helped establish what is now Gettysburg Hospital—and is said to haunt the site to this day.

The Shriver House Museum features a number of original artifacts from the home, including a small shoe placed in the ceiling for good luck.

Another fascinating stop is The Shriver House Museum, home to Hettie Shriver and her daughters Sadie, 7, and Mollie, 5, while Hettie’s husband fought for the Union Army. Confederate sharpshooters occupied the house during the battle, and visitors can explore the attic sniper’s nest as well as preserved bullet holes uncovered during restoration. The museum features original artifacts from the home, including a child’s shoe placed in the ceiling for good luck.

Jennie Wade’s grave in Evergreen Cemetery.

No visit to Gettysburg is complete without stopping at Evergreen Cemetery, the final resting place of more than 18,000 people, including 63 Civil War soldiers and Jennie Wade. At the cemetery’s entrance stands a statue of caretaker Elizabeth Thorn, another civilian hero. Approximately six months pregnant during the battle, Thorn dug 91 graves in the July heat to ensure the fallen soldiers received a proper burial.

Rest and Refresh

Originally named for Union General George G. Meade, commanding officer of the Army of the Potomac during the Battle of Gettysburg, the Meade School served the community for nearly a century—as both its first high school and later as an elementary school.

The Federal Pointe Inn, now a luxury boutique hotel, was once the area’s first high school.

Now known as the Federal Pointe Inn, this beautifully preserved 1896 building welcomes guests seeking historical immersion alongside modern luxury. From vintage class photos to original blackboards, soaring 12-foot ceilings, and Civil War-themed artwork, the inn is rich with charm. Downstairs, the Pointe Pub offers a cozy spot to relax and dine, and the inn is just a short walk from the heart of downtown.

Delicious steak frites at The Sign of the Buck.

Another delicious stop is The Sign of the Buck, a restaurant named after a tavern and boarding house established in 1804. Located on the first floor of The Union Hotel, it features a sleek, speakeasy-style bar and a dining room that sources many ingredients from local farms.

To learn more about things to do while visiting Gettysburg, go to www.destinationgettysburg.com.