Civil War Trust Preserves 37 Acres on Barlow’s Knoll at Gettysburg Battlefield

Originally published July 2017 · p. 2

Civil War Trust Preserves 37 Acres on Barlow’s Knoll at Gettysburg Battlefield Thanks to the generosity of Civil War Trust members, nearly 1,000 acres of hallowed ground are now protected at Pennsylvania’s largest battlefield GETTYSBURG, PENN.—The Civil War Trust today announced the acquisition of a 37-acre property associated with the first day’s fighting at the 1863 Battle of Gettysburg. With this additional land, the Trust has helped save nearly 1,000 acres at Gettysburg, the Civil War’s bloodiest battle. Centered on Barlow’s Knoll, the newly preserved land saw intense combat on July 1, 1863, resulting in hundreds of casualties including Brig. Gen. Francis Channing Barlow. “This is without a doubt one of the most important unprotected properties at one of the most hallowed places in America,” said Trust President James Lighthizer. “Barlow’s Knoll saw crucial and costly fighting on the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg, and this land will now be preserved for generations to come.” The property runs adjacent to Gettysburg National Military Park— near the monument to General Barlow—and eventually will be transferred to the National Park Service to enhance interpretation of the battle’s first day. “We’re very grateful to the Civil War Trust for preserving this land where intense fighting occurred on the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg,” said Ed W. Clark, Gettysburg National Military Park. “We look forward to working with the Civil War Trust in acquiring the property as part of Gettysburg National Military Park, permanently protecting the land for the American public.” The acreage, located next to the Adams County Conservation District complex, is being used for crop farming; land use will not change as a result of the sale. Though the site qualifies for the county’s Clean and Green Program, noted Adams County Commissioners Chairman Randy

Phiel, sale proceeds dramatically exceed the minimal Clean and Green annual tax income. “The sale of county land on Barlow’s Knoll is a wonderful example of government working with the private sector to preserve historic ground for future generations while also benefiting the residents of Adams County,” added Phiel. Early on the afternoon of July 1, 1863, Gen. Francis Barlow placed his division of the Union XI Corps on a small rise north of the Gettysburg Almshouse. Shortly thereafter, Confederates under Gen. John B. Gordon attacked Barlow’s position, steamrolling the Federals off the knoll and across the Almshouse property. Pockets of Yankees made short, desperate attempts to stem the tide, only to be washed away by Gordon’s impetuous men.

Hundreds of men fell between the Almshouse and Barlow’s Knoll, including Gen. Barlow, who was captured. Half of Barlow’s men became casualties at Gettysburg. To date, the Trust has preserved more than 45,000 acres of battlefield land in 23 states, including 1,030 acres in Pennsylvania.