I will discuss the family before and after the Battle and what life was like for them during the time their farm was used by the 11^th Corps.

 

 

In July 1863, a thriving family farm was suddenly transformed as the Union 11^th Corps converted the property to a field hospital for more than 1,900 wounded soldiers.

Today, the George Spangler Farm & Field Hospital stands as the best surviving example of a corps-level field hospital used during the Battle of Gettysburg.

Meticulously renovated, the site features restored, original buildings from the 1863 battle to inspire and explore:

·         The stone farmhouse where George Spangler, his wife Elizabeth and four children lived. The family chose to remain during the battle and ongoing field hospital activities, with all six family members moved to just one room of their house.

·         The Pennsylvania bank barn served as the hospital where both Union and Confederate soldiers received care.

·         The summer kitchen used by the family during the warm Pennsylvania summers. Records indicate this is the place where Confederate General Lewis A. Armistead died from wounds he received during Pickett’s Charge.