Email

Trostle Barn	Trostle Barn	Trostle Barn	Day 2 Map(Click to enlarge)

The Trostle Barn may be the most famous man made structure on Gettysburg Battlefield. Located just about right in the middle of the battlefield , it was in the middle of the severe fighting on the second day.It's closeness to The "Bloody" Wheatfield,Little Round Top, Valley of Death and The Peach Orchard place it in position of heavy fighting. There are many farms/homes (including others owned by Trostle's) located on the Battlefield of Gettysburg, but only one has received much notoriety, and is known as the Trostle Farm. This farm was originally purchased by Peter Trostle. It is located in Cumberland Twp., Adams Co., Pa. It contained approximately 134 acres. Some of its land bordered Plum Run and the Emmitsburg and Wheatfield Roads. In 1849, Peter Trostle leased this farm to his son, Abraham Trostle. The term of the lease was for 15 years, including annual payments and other provisions. In July, 1863 the farm was described as containing some of the following items/buildings: a large Pennsylvania style bank barn; a wagon shed addition; a newly built wood-frame house; spring house; corn crib; apple orchard. Beside the buildings was a narrow lane that ran east to west. Residing on the farm, up until they abandoned their home because of the fighting, were Abraham Trostle, his wife, Catherine and their children. On July 2, 1863, Major General Daniel Sickles (who was later was seriously injured, near the Trostle barn, by a Confederate shell, which caused his leg to be amputated) moved his troops to an exposed position on Emmitsburg Road. Due to mounting pressure by the Confederate Army, the Union troops began retreating from the area of Peach Orchard. Their goal was to make it to Cemetery Ridge. The path of their retreat included the farm lane, noted above, located on the Trostle Farm. Most of the batteries were able to reach the ridge. One exception was the "green" 9th Massachusetts Light Artillery Battery. This was to be their first battle. Captain John Bigelow commanded this battery. Captain Bigelow sustained severe wounds to his side and hand during the battle at the Trostle Farm. Reportedly the troops took cover in the Trostle building, waiting for the ranks of the Rebel Army to get closer. As the enemy troops approached over the knoll, the 9th Massachusetts Battery opened fire. The Confederates continued their advance on the farm. The battery was now trapped inside by the 21st Mississippi Infantry. The rebels then began shooting the horses, who were still strapped to their harnesses. The reasoning for this was so that the cannons could not be pulled out. The 9th Mass. Battery continued to fight, in the end, the remaining survivors fled, leaving behind their guns, limbers and also the wounded and dead, both man and animal alike. During this battle, the 9th Massachusetts Battery lost five of it's six guns and reportedly 80 of their 86 horses. Their guns were later regained by Union Troops.

Confederate Artillery blasted the barn for hours and alot of the evidence is still visible today.In front of the Barn is a large artillery shell hole that can still be seen today.On the Southwestern side of the house is more evidence of heavy fighting. The rugged rocky terrain around the barn made it difficult for men to fight as the 3rd corps under General Dan Sickles found out.Marking the spot on the Trostle farm where the 9th Massachusetts Battery bravely fought, is a granite replica of a limber chest and 2 cannons. Also standing on the Trostle property, near the barn, is a monument to commemorate the injury sustained by General Sickles.

One of my favorite photos Ive ever taken at Gettysburg!. Gettysburg Battlefield Online

When the Trostle family was able to return to their home and farm, the sight that greeted them was one filled with horror and carnage. The house was wrecked, crops and fences gone, household articles and farm utensils were broken. Both the house and barn sustained shell damage. The holes are still visible today on the barn. When Catharine Trostle petitioned the government for compensation as a result of the damage sustained to her home and farm, she reported, "there were 16 dead horses left close by the door and probably a 100 on the farm." A report also included some of the possessions/property that was destroyed, such as: hay, oats, wheat, garden vegetables, quilts, carpet, pillows, bridle, posts, and timber. Also mentioned is "use of buildings for hospitals". She also described the house as having 7 rooms and a basement. The house was described as being occupied until July 4, 1863. Major George Bell, Depot Quartermaster, Washington DC, determined that the "losses sustained by the claimant in this case are in the nature of damages and are, therefore, not entitled to consideration under the (Compensation) Law of July 4, 1864."

---

Marker where Sickles was shot

Sickles Monument Gettysburg Battlefield Online

Gen. Dan Sickles was severely wounded next to the Trostle Barn. He is truly an amazing man. After studying him in detail, I know exactly why he moved his men out to the front. Disobeying orders he placed the 3rd Corps into a tempting position for Gen. Longstreet. This field was a true slaughterhouse. Gen. Sickle's Leg was hit by a cannonball during the battle. He being a proud man and not wanting to have his men in fear, asked for a cigar to be brought to him as he was carried off the battlefield. This was to let his men know that he was not dead and to calm thier fears. He survived though his leg was amputated. He carried his leg in a whiskey barrel for a time and then when it started to decay it was given to a museum where he visited it often. It is (that is the bones) now at the Walter Reed Hospital Museum.

Swamp Oak Tree (Tree that was there at the time of the battle) Gettysburg Battlefield Online

The farm was sold in January 1899 to the United States Government for $4500.It remains property of The National Park Service and is one of the most visited spots on the Battlefield.

When visiting Gettysburg be sure to spend a few moments at the Trostle Barn.The Swamp Oak tree on the other side of the street in front of the barn was there at the time of the battle though much smaller. There is an opening in one of the windows behind the barn where you can take a peek in the barn. If your a horse rider the horse trail will go right by the house.