Gettysburg Visit 2021: Part II
This week we continue and conclude our visit to Gettysburg. We will be visiting the restaurants where we ate, and the historical sites we spent time at. Missed last weeks post? Visit the blog here.
Where did we eat?
There are many food establishments in and around Gettysburg that are worth visiting. Interested in more places to eat in Gettysburg? Read about our last visit to Gettysburg here. Eating was the most difficult part of our trip. My diet is still rather restricted. I researched a lot of menus and found places that had a couple of food options that I could eat.
Food 101
Upon our arrival, we decided to eat at Food 101. This stop was new to Country Fox. Their menu is small, but has a great selection of options. Their main dining area is a bit small, but they do have an area outside dedicated to outdoor eating. Jason opted for a grilled ham and swiss sandwich with chips. I chose their strawberry salad with steak. I had them leave off the almonds and asiago cheese. We were both very happy with our choices. Interested in their hours and menu? Visit Food 101 here.
The Sweney Tavern
The Sweney Tavern is part of the Farnsworth House. The original portion of the house was built in 1810. This was followed by the brick structure in 1833. During the battle of Gettysburg, Confederate sharpshooters sheltered here. They used the attic space to fire upon Union soldiers. It is theorized that the bullet that killed Jennie Wade (the only civilian killed during the battle) came from this building.
Afer the battle the house was a hospital. During the time of the battle Harvey Sweney lived in the house. The Farnsworth House, named after Brigadier General Elon John Farnsworth, has a dining room within the house, a beer garden and the Sweney Tavern.
We opted for the Tavern. Their menu is large and diverse. They also have a fully stocked bar and some intriguing mixed drinks. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to try any this time around. I chose the “Grant’s Apple, Bacon and Bourbon Pork Chop” with Applesauce. I also had a side salad. Jason went for the “Grant’s Bacon and Bourbon Burger” with a side salad. Interested in finding out more? Visit their page here.
Blue and Gray Bar and Grill
Our last meal was at the Blue and Gray. A bar and dining room combined, Blue and Gray has a nice menu and good food. Jason loved his sautéed shrimp Po Boy with sweet potato fries. I ordered a spinach salad minus tomato and walnuts. I added grilled chicken and avocado. It was very good. Is your interest piqued? Visit their page here.
What sights did we see?
There are so many interesting and unique spots to visit at Gettysburg. From large battlefields to small items of intrigue. Read on to find out where we stopped.
Dinosaur Footprints
I know, dinosaur footprints were the last thing you thought I would mention. During the Triassic Period, 200 to 250 million years ago, Pennsylvania was a much different place. Several types of dinosaurs roamed the land. The footprints can be found on a bridge that takes South Confederate Avenue over Plum Run at the base of Big Round Top.
When the bridge was rebuilt in 1938, the Engineer Army Corps used rocks from the Trostle Quarry. This now closed quarry was located 3 miles east of York Springs in Adams County. They knew that these were dinosaur foot prints and chose to make them hidden gems to be found by the curious. This page gives good descriptions of how to find the bridge and the prints.
The prints are of two different species. The photo on the left is of anchisauripus sillimani. This was a lion sized carnivore. The photo on the right is from a atreipus milfordensis. It was a dog sized herbivore.
The Bloody Wheatfield
The Wheatfield is located near Devils Den and Little Roundtop. It is often overlooked and misunderstood. The battle of the Wheatfield can be confusing. There are many different brigades both North and South with no overall officer in command of the field on either side. This led to confusion and difficulty in interpreting the Wheatfield fight.
Many visitors are surprised to see the size of the Wheatfield battle. Initially it looks like a small unassuming patch of field. In reality, it was much larger. During the battle, the field was waist high with wheat. By late afternoon, the fighting started. The skirmish last around three hours. During the fighting, the ground changed sides six times. Around 20,444 soldiers engaged in the fight. About 30% were casualties. Because of viscous fighting over such a short period, the Wheatfield is thought to be the bloodiest battle at Gettysburg.
Spangler’s Spring
This quiet little spot is found on the south base of Culp’s hill. It is a natural spring that was in existence during the battle. The Spangler’s Spring area was occupied by both North and South during the battle. At times, the Spring was in-between lines. Legend has it that both sides called a truce during the night of July 2nd so that they could fill their canteens. This may or may not have happened. There is documented evidence of fighting around the spring.
The War Department constructed the stone and concrete structure that sits on the site. Due to heavy use by visitors, the site had been damaged. The stone and concrete structure helped stop the damage. It the past, visitors could drink from the spring with a metal dipper. Due to health and safety concerns, drinking from the spring is no longer allowed.
The Angle
On July 3rd, 1863, General Robert E. Lee decided to march his army across a mile of field to an area around a small copse of trees. Union troops from several corps were camped here. This area would become known as the Angle or “the Bloody Angle”.
Around 1pm, the Confederates launched a massive artillery assault on Cemetery Ridge. The largest barrage of the war. Around 3pm the bombardment stopped. Around 15,000 Confederates stepped out and began their march. They crossed nearly a mile of open field while under fire. The march was hindered by a fence running across their march.
Some soldiers managed to make it to the Union lines. There, a stone wall runs along the way. At one place it bends 90 degrees. This area saw a lot of fighting over the wall. Fighting became desperate and intense. This was where the name “Bloody Angle” came from. A few Confederate soldiers made it over the wall before being captured, killed or retreating.
Visit Gettysburg Part II: Conclusion
There is so much history to be found at Gettysburg! It’s one of the reasons we continue to go back. We enjoyed our weekend getaway very much. The Doubleday Inn B&B was delightful and comfortable. We highly recommend a stay there. All our food was delicious. The shopping was fun as usual. I hope I’ve inspired you to visit this wonderful historic town.