Camp Letterman, Gettysburg
July-November 1863
featuring Licensed Battlefield Guide Sue Boardman
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Within 48 hours after the Battle of Gettysburg, over 30,000 wounded soldiers from both sides began their individual journeys to recovery or death. At least 21,000 of these were left in the town after the armies withdrew from the battlefield, creating a medical crisis. The civilian and medical communities responded, sending individuals to care for these men. Camp Letterman, the first-ever general field hospital located a mile east of Gettysburg, was created. Many of the 5,600 survivors of Camp Letterman attributed their survival to the quality of care received there.
The site of Camp Letterman has remained in private hands since the battle and is currently marked for total development. Commercial structures and custom-built homes will soon be placed on remaining portions of the property. On November 3, seminar attendees had what may have been one of the last opportunities to walk on the grounds of Camp Letterman.
For more information on upcoming programs in the John Scott Adams Seminar series, check our website or the current issue of the Friends of Gettysburg newsletter. Not a Friends member? Find out how to become a member of the Friends of Gettysburg.