February 04, 2013

Gettysburg is one of these amazing places where you can visit the battlefield for decades and still see something you’ve never seen before. Usually these sights are right underneath your nose, making you wonder how you could have possibly missed them. The photo for today was taken across from the Edward McPherson farm. I assume this land belonged to McPherson and was farmed by John Slentz during the battle, though I’m not sure what it was used for at the time of the battle.

The little “blip” in the center (to the left of the center tree) is the equestrian statue to Gen. John F. Reynolds, and the McPherson barn can be seen at left just behind the evergreen. The wooden fence bordering Chambersburg Pike / Route 30 is visible as well. Far in the distance lies South Mountain. This was a true photographic opportunity, though now I’m curious what purpose this land would have had in 1863. I know that Hall’s Maine battery was set up just beyond the statue of Gen. Reynolds, so obviously there was some artillery action in this area.

**HONORED TODAY**

PVT. GEORGE W. ADAMS

Co. F, 12^th New Jersey Infantry

Born March 18, 1843 --- Died July 03, 1863 at age 20

Pvt. Adams’ pre-war residence was Beverly, New Jersey. He was killed by artillery at the Bliss farm, which was located on the field of the Pickett-Pettigrew-Trimble Charge but is no longer standing. He was later buried at Gettysburg National Cemetery.


(c) 2013 Skies of Blue and Gray