Gettysburg 1863

Samuel Gettys settled and built a tavern near the Shippensburg – Baltimore and Philadelphia – Pittsburgh cross roads in the 1760's.  Founded in 1786, Gettysburg was named after him. By 1860 there were about 450 buildings including carriage manufacturing, shoemakers, and tanneries.

One building was the Eagle Hotel.

The Eagle Hotel was used by General Buford as his HQ on the first day of the battle.

 For years following the war it was the hotel of choice for Union veterans returning for reunions.

 

Robert McCurdy and Josiah Diehl opened a new warehouse near the railroad tracks several weeks before the battle. McCurdy was President of the Railroad. 

He was well known and respected businessman on both sides of the Mason Dixon line.

 David Kendlehart had a shoe and boot making business in the town.

 

 John Burns was a veteran of the War of 1812, and a cantankerous former constable who decided to take up arms and go up against the rebels personally. A cobbler at town council President David Kendlehart's boot and shoe shop, Burns had nothing but unkind things to saw about his fellow townsmen whom he considered cowards for not helping out the army.

Fahanstock Brothers General Merchandise...

James, father of Gates, and two brothers operated Fahnestock Brothers General Merchandise a block south of the Diamond.  After the battle the store became the headquarters of the U.S. Sanitary Commission.

 Samuel Buehler and son Alexander operated Buehler's Book and Drug store.

 Cannon Marble Cutting Works was on the corner of Baltimore and East Middle. John Cannon ran a marble cutting yard in back of the house which he probably rented. General Jubal Early made this his HQ on July 2.

 Hugh Scott operated the telegraph office located in his parents house in the first block of Chambersburg Street on June 26 he received warning of the Confederate approach from one of Bell's fleeing troopers and took his telegraph equipment and headed east to York along the turnpike in a borrowed horse and buggy.

 Tyson Brothers Charles and Isaac came to Gettysburg to open a photography studio in 1859. Their house was on Chambersburg Street. On the morning of the battle Charles Tyson was busy taking portraits of Union soldiers lined up in his studio as their units headed into battle. 

I would like to thank Captain Richard from http://captainrichardsminiaturecivilwar.blogspot.com/

for the wonderful buildings he makes for his layout. The Eagle Hotel wall was inspired by the Captain's work from this post here.

                  and Pat from http://wargamingwithsilverwhistle.blogspot.com/

for the fantastic post on his Old West town here. This post by Pat came along at just the right time as  I was about to start on the making of Gettysburg.

If you have not visited these sites before.... get over and have a look, you will not be disappointed!!

Unbelievable find!

Today I came across these old pictures of Gettysburg. I believe these were created about two weeks before the battle.

As I am about 7 weeks into the modelling of the town of Gettysburg for our game soon, these will be very helpful.

Looking north with Taneytown Road in the foreground.

Southwestern corner of  Gettysburg

A view down one of the streets.

The eastern end of East Middle Street

The back of the shops along  York Street with the railway crossing on Carlisle Street in the foreground.

Still trying to confirm  the authenticity of these pictures.