| Action at the Witmer Farm (3.5 miles north of Gettysburg, PA) |
| This is the original red brick Henry Witmer farmhouse, located along Goldenville Road northeast of Gettysburg National Military Park. On June 26th, 1863, roughly 600 members of the 26th Pennsylvania Emergency Militia were located in the fields to the left of the road as they rested after retreating before CSA infantry and cavalry along Cashtown Road earlier in the day. A now capped well in the Witmer's front yard provided water for the thirsty militia, and the farmer, his wife, and 8 children baked and served hot bread to the militia, which included many local Adams County soldiers. Upon hearing of the approach of CSA troops, Col. William Jennings formed his troops and prepared for battle. The farmer and his family retreated to their cellar for safety. |
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| This is the view to the left of Goldenville Road directly opposite the Witmer farmhouse. The line of scrub bushes and light trees stretching across the middle of the picture marks the location of the 1863 farm lane that ran south from the road. it was lined at the time of the battle with scrub and with wooden post and rail fences. Jennings formed his regiment of untried militia in the lane behind the fence and faced west. The hill to the very back of the picture is Bayly's Hill, where Col. William French deployed his 17th Virginia Cavalry into battleline and charged the militia. French was supported by skirmishers from Smith's and from Gordon's CSA brigades of Jubal Early's division (Ewell's Corps). Jennings withdrew to higher ground about a quarter mile in his rear. French did not pursue. About 150-200 Union prisoners were marched back to the Diamond in Gettysburg where Old Jube gave them a stern lecture before paroling them. |
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| The 26th Emergency Pennsylvania Militia in miniature marches to Witmer Farm. Figures are Old Glory and are in the collection of Scott Mingus. |