One of the many farmhouses and barns that were turned into field hospitals following the July 1 action was the property owned by Congressman Edward McPherson and rented and lived in by the Slentz family. Nearly 48,000 soldiers from both sides participated in the first day’s battle with a casualty total of approximately 16,000.
The first day’s battle west and north of the town was furious and violent, despite the long-standing mythology that it was a meeting engagement. Our first stop will be at the McPherson Barn, located along Stone Avenue on the Gettysburg National Military Park Auto Tour route. In the background is the Edward McPherson Barn. Today’s Weekender will provide you with an opportunity to visit several of the many public and privates buildings that were turned into field hospitals and aide stations in the greater Gettysburg community during the aftermath of the battle. These wounded began their battle for survival the moments after being hit a battle for some that lingered for days, weeks, months, and even years. Of that number, approximately 30,000 soldiers were in need of various degrees of medical attention. That number horrified the home fronts and armies of both sides, and is a sad reminder of the cost of this battle and war on our country. Over the course of the three day engagement, 51,000 men became casualties. As the sun set on the Gettysburg battlefield on July 3, 1863, although the sound of combat faded into history, a new battle was just beginning.
0 kommentar(er)
