November 24, 2014

Known only as the Thompson family home before the battle of Gettysburg, this beautiful old stone house will forever be labeled as General Lee’s Headquarters. I’ve mentioned in the past that I can’t get enough of stone buildings . . . they have a texture and appeal all their own, and the Thompson house is particularly enjoyable to visit because it’s so accessible. Even if you happen to arrive when the museum shop is closed for the season (as we did) you can still walk around, snapping photos and admiring this storied building.

The house has many great angles to photograph, making it one of my favorite historic structures. Whether it’s a charming pattern, an old red door opened by many a long-dead figure, or some as simple as a plaque, this is the place to be if you want to touch history. You may have heard that there are plans to tear down the modern structures located around Gen. Lee’s headquarters, thus restoring the property to its 1863 appearance. I can’t wait to see the transformation!

**HONORED TODAY**

PVT. GEORGE P. HAM

Co. I, 19^TH Massachusetts Infantry

Born 1837 --- Died August 02, 1863 age 26

Pvt. Ham’s loss was perhaps most keenly felt by his daughter Sarah, who was only four years old when the battle of Gettysburg took away her father. Married to Martha, he had enlisted in August 1861 and was mortally wounded in combat, later dying at Fort Schuyler, NY.  


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