Then and Now at Gettysburg
The "Wheatfield" Kaufmann & Son Post Card c1910
The Wheatfield would see heavy fighting on the afternoon of July 2, 1863. This area of approximately 20 acres would witness some of the highest casualties of the July 2nd fighting. This postcard view is looking west in the direction of the Stony Hill and Trostle Woods. The view has changed very little over the years.
Items of interest noted on the old postcard are the "Ball and Chain" located on the curve in the foreground is now gone. This chain has been replaced by a series of boulders. The Stony Hill appears to have less underbrush. The 2nd Delaware Infantry Monument has been relocated as noted below.
Current View from same camera position
One of the most significant changes is the relocation of the 2nd Delaware Infantry monument. This monument (circled in red above) was located in the center of the Wheatfield. It was moved in 1909 to its current position along the then new Brooke Avenue. It was moved so it would be aligned with the monuments of fellow regiments that had served with John R. Brooke's Brigade at Gettysburg.
2nd Delaware Infantry Monument
originally dedicated in the Wheatfield in 1885, moved to this position in 1909. |
Original foundation for the 2nd Delaware Infantry monument.
After moving the monument the original foundation for the monument was not completely removed. A portion of the original monuments foundation is still visible today marking its original position.
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