April 01, 2013

I never gave the Moses McLean farm the attention it deserved. Of the many historic farms scattered across the Gettysburg battlefield, this one, tucked away down over the swell of Oak Ridge, is easily missed. Yet its story is just as tragic and just as interesting as the stories of countless other farms that weathered the battle. Its owner, 59-year-old Moses McLean, was a lawyer and former Pennsylvania state representative. The house had been built in the 1820s and the newer barn dated from the 1850s. (For a little more information concerning this farm, see my post of November 28).

This particular photo is one of my favorites of the area because it was an entirely new perspective. It was taken from the Eleventh Corps Line, from where I only just now realized (after visiting Gettysburg for over twenty years) there was a good view of this little-noticed farm. At top left is the Eternal Light Peace Memorial. Oak Hill and Oak Ridge stretch off to the right. The cannon, barely seen at top left between the Peace Memorial and the roof of the barn, is a Napoleon and represents Carter’s Battery.

**HONORED TODAY**

MAJ. JOHN QUINCY ADAMS RICHARDSON

52^nd North Carolina Infantry

Born 1836 --- Died July 03, 1863 at age 27

Maj. Richardson’s early life took place in Portsmouth, Virginia. His martial career was jumpstarted at the Virginia Military Institute, and it was in the military that he would live and ultimately die. He had the distinction of being one of the Confederate officers to reach the Union-held wall during the Pickett-Pettigrew-Trimble Charge. It is believed that he was reburied at Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia several years after his death.


(c) 2013 Skies of Blue and Gray