WAR DEPARTMENT,
GETTYSBURG NATIONAL PARK,
Gettysburg, Pa., October 21, 1896
SIR: The Gettysburg National Park Commission respectfully submit the following report of the progress and present condition of the work:
MILITARY AVENUES.
Since our report of 1895 the Telford road, known as Seminary avenue, and section I of Confederate avenue, running from the Chambersburg pike southward along Seminary Ridge as far as the Government at present owns the right of way there, has been completed; likewise Hancock avenue, which runs from the national cemetery gate southward along the main Union line of battle to the east end of United States avenue, and also Sickles avenue, which runs from the Emmitsburg road near the Rogers house southeastward, via the Loop and the Wheatfield, to the Devil's Den. Slocum avenue. which follows the battle lines over Culp's Hill, is in course of construction and nearly completed. The whole length of Telford avenues which have been constructed by our commission is 7 1/3 miles. The United States avenue crosses the field perpendicularly from east to west between the Union and Confederate lines. All the others follow closely the respective lines of battle. Of the Confederate avenue which follows the Confederate line of battle along Seminary Ridge and thence to Round Top, sections 1, 4, 5, 6, and 7, aggregating a distance of nearly 3 miles, have been completed. Sections 2 and 3 of this Confederate avenue remain still unconstructed, solely because we have been unable to secure the right of way by purchase from the land owners. Proceedings to condemn the needed lands were delayed on account of a question having been raised in a similar case of ours as to the right of the Government to condemn land for such purposes, which necessitated an appeal to the Supreme Court of the United States. That court having adjudged such right to be constitutional, condemnation proceedings were at once instituted and are now pending in the circuit court of the United States for the eastern district of Pennsylvania, and as soon as the right of way shall be thereby secured, sections 2 and 3 of the Confederate avenue will be promptly constructed.
MARKING THE POSITIONS OF TROOPS.
As the purpose of the National Government in taking charge of this field was not only to preserve its features as they existed at the time of battle and to make its many interesting points accessible by good
roads, but also to have the positions and evolutions of both the contending armies carefully ascertained and suitably marked, and as the positions of most of the Union troops had been previously marked by monuments erected by different States at their own expense, under the supervision of the Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association, our attention has been largely directed to what had been left mainly undone, to wit, fixing and marking the positions and movements of the Confederate troops and the United States Regulars. Since our last report we have marked the positions of the four batteries of Mclntosh's Artillery Battalion on Seminary Ridge along section 1 of the Confederate avenue, and we have placed an additional gun, making two, to each of twelve batteries belonging to Alexander's, Cabell's, and Henry's Artillery Battalions along sections 4, 5, and 6, Confederate avenue. Our plan is to mark the position of each battery by at least two guns like those which composed it and mounted on gun carriages admirably resembling the usual wooden ones, but made of iron. Handsome tablets of iron, not only for each battery, but also for each command of infantry and cavalry, will stand along the main lines of battle, with brief inscriptions specifying the name of each command, its service in the battle, and referring to auxiliary and subordinate tablets so placed as to indicate successive movements during the conflict. Much thought has been given to the preparation of these tablets and their inscriptions for the Confederate commands, so as to arrive at the utmost possible historic accuracy with regard to each one as well as perfect consistency and fairness among them as a whole. This is a work requiring great deliberation and painstaking, but we hope to accomplish it satisfactorily.
The placing of the Confederate tablets along the main lines can only be completed when we shall have acquired the needed lands and completed the construction of the Confederate avenues along those lines, which we are doing as fast as practicable. During the past year we have also replaced all of the old inferior gun carriages which were formerly used for the Union batteries with our new iron ones, constructed as aforesaid, and we have mounted many additional guns to mark the positions of Union batteries, among the more notable of which are six 20-pounder Parrotts placed in the Citizen's Cemetery by leave of the proper authorities, to mark the positions of Taft's Battery.
FENCING, ETC.
In appropriate and needful places we have caused the avenues which have been made to be inclosed with the neat style of fence described in our last annual report, which, being made of iron-capped locust posts and four galvanized iron railings, is not only durable but is inconspicuous to the sight, and therefore does not mar the view of the field. All stone fences and walls which existed at the time of the battle and which are upon ground owned by the United States we have caused to be restored and put in proper condition, as also such breastworks and other defenses as were erected by either army. We have also caused great numbers of trees to be planted, so as to restore the forest on grounds which have been denuded of trees since the battle. The hurricane of last month destroyed many hundreds of trees on the battlefield, which we shall take measures to replace.
OBSERVATORIES.
The four steel towers which were in course of construction at the date of our last report were completed soon thereafter. We have since caused another to be erected near the center of the field in Ziegler's Grove and not far from the point where the battle ended with the final grand but unsuccessful Confederate assault of the third day. These are all solid and well-built structures, and, located as they are, they afford the observer a complete and satisfactory view of the entire scene of the great battle and enable him to get a consistent and accurate idea of it as a whole.
We are happy to report that visitors in great numbers from all sections of our own country, as well as some from abroad, are constantly thronging these historic grounds and tracing out the complicated phases of the titanic struggle, with many expressions of their satisfaction at the wise plans of the National Government for making it plain and easily comprehended, and for preserving this field for the study of those who are to come after us.
JOHN P. NICHOLSON,
Wm. M. ROBBINS,
C.A. RICHARDSON,
Commissioners.
The SECRETARY OF WAR.
LIST OF BLUE PRINTS TO ACCOMPANY COMMISSIONERS' REPORT.
168.-A map showing the scene of Longstreet's final assault on the Union lines at Gettysburg July 3, 1863
169 -Plot of land for the Seventy-third New York monument.
170.-Trail of gun carriage for 20-pounder Parrott rifle.
171.-Guns used in marking positions of batteries on the Gettysburg battlefield.
172.-Property of the United States formerly belonging to M. Bushman estate.
173.-Map showing location of trees, etc., in Ziegler's grove.
174.-Plot of land belonging to the Gettysburg Water Company on which is erected the Twenty-fifth and Seventy-fifth Ohio monuments.
175.-Plot of ground belonging to the estate of Samuel A Whitney on which is erected Hall's Second Maine Battery monument.
176.-Plot of ground belonging to the estate of Samuel A. Whitney on which is erected the One Hundred and forty-ninth Pennsylvania monuments
177.-Tract of land belonging to the Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Conveyed by Henry and Annie Culp.
178.- Tract of land belonging to the Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Conveyed by Samuel Bushman.
179.-Plot of monument sites in Peach Orchard on the battlefield of Gettysburg.
180.-Tract of land belonging to the United States Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Conveyed by Hart Gilbert.
181.-Tract belonging to the United States Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Conveyed by Levi Weikert.
182.-Tract belonging to the United States Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Conveyed by Emanuel Weikert.
183.-Tract belonging to the Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Conveyed by Henry Welty.
184.-Tract belonging to the Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Conveyed by Levi Plank.
185.-Tract belonging to the Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Conveyed by Emanuel Weikert.
186.-Tract belonging to the Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Conveyed by Francis A. Althoff.
187.-Gate of inch pipe.
188.-Tract belonging to the Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Conveyed by John S. Forney.
189.-Tract belonging to the Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Conveyed by George F. Basehoar.
190.-A mounted Whitworth Gun.
191.- Tract belonging to John L. Sherfy on which is erected the First Vermont United States Sharpshooters Monument.
192.-Tract belonging to Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Conveyed by J. S. Forney.
193.-Tract belonging to Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Conveyed by Jeremiah Bender.
194.-Tract belonging to Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Conveyed by J. S. Forney.
195.-Tract belonging to Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Conveyed by J. A. Livers.
196.-Tract belonging to Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Conveyed by David Wills.
197.-Tract belonging to Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Conveyed by M. W. & J. W. Eicholtz.
198.-Tract in Howard avenue taken from property of Alex. Spangler.
199.-Tract belonging to Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Taken by condemnation proceedings from the poor directors of Adams County.
200.-Tract belonging to Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Conveyed by Leander Hummelbaugh.
201.-Tract of land conveyed by A. Spangler to Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association.
202.-Tract belonging to Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Conveyed by Jacob Baker.
203.-Tract belonging to Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Conveyed by Alice Forney.
204.-Tract belonging to Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Conveyed by John Bender.
205.-Tract belonging to Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Conveyed by David Blocher.
206.-Tract belonging to Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Conveyed by David Wills.
207.-Tract belonging to Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Conveyed by E. Hanaway.
208.-Tract belonging to Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Conveyed by Hugh Scott.
209.-Tract belonging to Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Conveyed by E. Menchy.
210.-Tract belonging to Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Conveyed by Samuel A. Whitney.
211.-Tract belonging to Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association. Conveyed by E. McPherson and John Kuhn.
212.-Plan and elevation of harness house.
213 -Proposed flagstaff.
214.-Round Top tracks conveyed by Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association to United States of America.
215.-Howard avenue tracts.
216.-Neill avenue, conveyed by the Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association to United States.
217.-Culp's Hill tract, conveyed by Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association to United States of America.
218. Plan of Sickles Avenue.
219.-Oak Ridge property, conveyed by Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association to United States of America.
220.-Reynolds Woods and part of Reynolds avenue, conveyed by Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association to United States of America.
221.-Reynolds avenue property No. 2, conveyed by Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association to the United States of America.
222.-The Wheat-field and portion of Sickles avenue, conveyed by Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association to United States of America.
223.-Buford avenue and a portion of Reynolds avenue, conveyed by the Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association to the United States of America.
224.-Hancock avenue, including George Weikert, L. Hummelbaugh, and L. Leister properties, conveyed by Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association to United States of America.
225.-Althoff property, conveyed by Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association to United States of America.
226.-Property in borough of Gettysburg, conveyed by Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association to United States of America.
227.-Smith property conveyed by Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association to United States of America.
228.-Rose Grove, conveyed by Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association to United States of America.
229.-East Cemetery Hill property, conveyed by Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association to United States of America. 230.-Cavalry avenue property, conveyed by Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association to United States of America.
231.-Plot of First New Jersey Battery A, conveyed by Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association to United States of America.
232.-Plot of First Wisconsin monument.
233.-Plot of One hundred and fourteenth and Fifty-seventh Pennsylvania.
234.-One hundred and thirty-sixth New York monument plot.
235.-Sixth Pennsylvania monument plot.
236.-First Maine Cavalry plot.
237.-Randolph's Battery E plot.
238.-Guns used for marking positions of batteries, No. 2.
289.-Ninety-fifth Pennsylvania monument plot.
240.-Twenty-sixth Emergency Regiment monument plot.
241.-Fifteenth Massachusetts monument plot.
242.-First United States Sharpshooter monument plot.
243.-Seventy-third New York-monument plot.
244.-One hundred and sixth Pennsylvania monument plot.
245.-Sixty-third Pennsylvania monument plot.
246 -Fifth New York Cavalry monument plot.
247.-Eighteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry monument plot.
248.-First Massachusetts monument plot.
249.-Twenty-seventh Indiana monument plot.
250.-Tablet plot first shot fired.
251.-A general map of all the lands of the Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association which have been conveyed to the United States of America.
252.-Round Top Park property of Gettysburg and Harrisburg Railroad.
253.-Plot of tract of Iand belonging to John L. Sherfy, known as the Peach Orchard.
254.-Property of W. H. Tipton.
255.-Tract of land from property of George F. Basehoar forming part of Buford avenue.
256.-United States property on the Gettysburg battlefield.
257.-Plan of Observation Tower No. 5.
258.-Plot of tract of land belonging to Amos Leister.
259.-Entrance to Slocum avenue, conveyed by Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association to United States of America
260.-Plan of dedication stand.
261.-Map showing the connections of the Gettysburg Electric Railroad on the Emmitsburg road.
262.-Tract belonging to Gettysburg and Harrisburg Railroad Company.
263.-Tracts of land belonging to William Patterson.
264.-Tract of land belonging to Land and Improvement Company.
265.-Tract of land belonging to Henry Spangler.
266.-Tract belonging to John L. Sherfy.
267.-Tract belonging to Warren W. Hafer.
268-Tract belonging to Land and Improvement Company on Seminary Ridge.
269.-Map showing tracts of land required on Seminary Ridge for the continued construction of Confederate avenue from Hagerstown road to Wheatfield road.
270.-Plan of Slocum avenue.
271.-Plan of Sedgwick avenue.
272.-Cross section of Western Maryland Railroad cut.
273.-Plan of barn on United States property (formerly Bushman).
274.-Plan of Meade avenue.
275.-Design for girder bridge.
276.-Tract of land belonging to Florence and Georgianna Cunningham.
277.-Tracings of the 200-foot scale Warren map, accompanying the report of 1896.
278.-Title page.
279.-Northwest corner, A-1.
280.-Herr Tavern, A-2.
281.-North Middle, A-3.
282.-North Rock Creek, A-4
283.-Northeast corner, A-5.
284.-South of northwest corner, B-1.
285.-Medicinal Spring, B-2.
286.-West Gettysburg, B-3.
287.-East Gettysburg, B-4.
288.-Hanover road, B-5.
289.-Black Horse Tavern, C-1.
290.-Middle Willoughby Run, C-2.
291.-Field of Longtreet's assault, C-3.
292.-Culp's Hill, C-4.
293.-Wolf Hill, C-5.
294.-Marsh Creek, D-1.
295.-Pitzer's Schoolhouse, D-2.
296.-Peach Orchard and Wheatfield, D-3.
297.-Power's Hill, D-4.
298.-East Baltimore pike, D-5.
299.-Southwest corner, E-1.
300.-South Emmitsburg road, B-2.
301.-The Round Tops and Devil's Den, E-3.
302.-South Taneytown road, E-4.
303.-South Rock Creek, E-5.
LIST OF PHOTOGRAPHS TO ACCOMPANY COMMISSIONERS' REPORT.
Confederate avenue, section 7, tower, Big Round Top.
Entrance to Hancock avenue, Ziegler's Grove.
Hancock avenue, south, toward Bryan House.
Hancock avenue, tower, Bryan House.
Hancock avenue, Eleventh New York Independent Battery.
Hancock avenue, loop at the angle.
Hancock avenue, north to high-water mark.
Hancock avenue at intersection of Pleasonton avenue.
Intersection United States avenue and Hancock avenue.
United States avenue, from Trostle House.
Entrance to Sickles avenue, Emmitsburg road.
Crossing of United States and Sickles avenues.
Sickles avenue, woods west of Wheatfield.
Sickles avenue, across Wheatfield.
Sickles avenue at Smith's Battery, Fourth New York.
Sickles avenue west of Devil's Den.
Tower, Confederate avenue, section 4.
Entrance to Slocum avenue.
Slocum avenue, Stevens Knoll.
Stevens's Fifth Maine Battery, E, Slocum avenue.
Slocum avenue-section of Stevens's Fifth Maine Battery.
Slocum avenue at entrance to woods, Culp's Hill.
Tower and Knap's Battery, E, Pennsylvania Light Artillery, summit of Culp's Hill.
Slocum avenue, graded roadbed.
Slocum avenue, graded roadbed.
Terminus of Slocum avenue, near Spanglers Spring.
Reynolds Grove after storm of September 30, 1896.
Reynolds Grove after storm of September 30. 1896.
Reynolds Grove after storm of September 30 1896.
Big Round Top near tower, after storm of September 30, 1896.
Big Round Top after storm of September 30, 1896.
Big Round Top after storm of September 30, 1896.
Little Round Top after storm of September 30, 1896.
Little Round Top after storm of September 30, 1896.
Grove south of Wheatfield after storm of September 30, 1896.
Grove south of Wheatfield after storm of September 30, 1896.
Culp's Hill near Seventieth and One hundred and second New York monument after storm of September 30, 1896.
Culp's Hill, Sixty-sixth Ohio monument after storm of September 30, 1896.
Culp's Hill near Knap's Battery after storm of September 30, 1896.
Culp's Hill after storm of September 80, 1896.