April 06, 2015

** This blog now published Mondays and Wednesdays **

Did you know that the Wheatfield technically doesn’t stop at Sickles Avenue? In 1863 the surrounding area was also part of George Rose’s property, and this stone wall, manned by the menof the 17th Maine (that’s their monument in the foreground) was likely considered part of the Wheatfield. The Mainers weren’t alone, of course. (Can’t have a battle without opposing armies). Also vying for the wall were members of Anderson’s Georgia brigade. I’ve been studying the 11th Georgia in particular and so I was excited to walk the area for myself.

The second photo shows the contested stone wall. This is another one of those photos where everything looks much as it did during the battle, save for different trees and no monument base which can barely be seen at far left. As you can see, the wall wasn’t much protection (unless it was higher back then, which it might have been . . . I couldn’t say for sure). I don’t believe this wall is original but it sure looks old. Doubtless there was a similar boundary.

**HONORED TODAY**

PVT. SAMUEL F. HACKETT

Co. E, 2ND Wisconsin Infantry

Born 1839 --- Died July 01, 1863

Pvt. Hackett enlisted in April 1861. He somehow survived two years in the service only to be shot in the head at Gettysburg and killed. A carpenter and later a farmer, he was listed as being 5’8” with black hair and blue eyes. 

(c) 2012-2015 Skies of Blue and Gray