Many historic farms and homesteads dot the landscape of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. And so many of these places served significant roles in the landmark three-day Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War. The Historic Daniel Lady Farm is one such example. It is, in fact, on this 146-acre stretch of land that the annual Battle of Gettysburg reenactments occur every July.
In this Flashback Friday Feature, I’m sharing the unique backstory behind the Daniel Lady Farm. I will highlight the site’s pre-Civil War history as a family farm, its epic involvement during the War, and its more recent restorations and new life as a living history attraction.
Pre-Civil War Farm History
The overall establishment of the Daniel Lady Farm and its comprising buildings was completed in different phases. The earliest part was that of a hearth room only, constructed in 1820. The hearth room was eventually expanded into a much larger house by 1830. It was here that Gettysburg resident Daniel Lady and his wife Rebecca raised seven children. An eighth child was born on the site in the post-Civil War years.
The farm’s standout German bank-style barn dates back to 1842. It was constructed to replace an earlier barn originally made from logs.
Civil War Significance
Much to the chagrin of the Lady family, who resided peaceably on the land as longtime model citizens of Gettysburg, their beloved farm and homestead would go on to serve several significant roles during the American Civil War. It was on Friday, June 26, 1863, (the date of son John Calvin’s fifth birthday, no less) when Confederate forces sought out and notified the Lady family of their intentions to take over the home and property so that Robert E. Lee’s army could make use of the grounds.
As such, Confederate troops descended into the town on July 1. Hoping to secure nearby Benner’s Hill, the Army of the Potomac’s 1st Division of 12th Corps, under the direction of Union Gen. Alpheus Williams, made its way to the Daniel Lady Farm that afternoon. Some fighting ensued west of the Lady Farm Barn between Union forces and Virginia skirmishers. They were then forced to regroup and take a new position on Culp’s Hill.
July 2 was an action-packed day at the farm (and throughout much of the town). Several Confederate forces had already made their way over to the Lady Farm by then, and the property served as both a staging area and headquarters for Confederate Gen. Edward Johnson’s preparations for a planned attack on the Union at Culp’s Hill.
Throughout the infamous fighting, thousands of Confederate Infantry massed on both the Daniel Lady Farm and the nearby Wolfe Farm. Confederate casualties from both Benner’s Hill and Culp’s Hill were eventually taken to Daniel Lady Farm, which had been transformed into an impromptu field hospital. The farmhouse was used to treat wounded officers and the barn catered to enlisted soldiers.
Following three days of battle, Union and Confederate forces faced off in one last uneventful hurrah. This led to the Confederates retreating from the area.
In the Aftermath
Even after all the fighting ceased, the Daniel Lady Farm continued operating as a field hospital, treating the seriously wounded. Doors were even repurposed as stretchers and operating tables in some instances. Other furniture was burned for cookfires and other hospital necessities.
All the remaining wounded men were eventually transported to Camp Letterman—a Union field hospital located just north of the Daniel Lady Farm.
Throughout all the trying times of war and the devastating destruction to the home, barn, and land comprising the farm, Daniel Lady and his family persevered. They continued living here for several more years, even having their aforementioned eighth child onsite in January 1865. By 1867, however, the family relocated permanently to nearby Arendtsville.
The Farm Today
The Historic Daniel Lady Farm has been owned and operated by the Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association (GBPA) since 1999. Founded in 1959, GBPA is the oldest Civil War battlefield preservation organization in the nation. Its ongoing mission is to preserve our American heritage through land preservation and advocacy, living history programs, lectures, seminars, site tours, and support of Scouting. And that’s just what they’ve been doing ever since at the since-restored historic site at Daniel Lady Farm.
Upon purchasing the historic farm site in 1999, GBPA got to work on a multi-year construction initiative to restore the house and barn to their original 1863 appearance. If the end results are any indication, the outcome of these restorative efforts was a great success.
The Historic Daniel Lady Farm of today serves many different purposes. It’s even used as the Gettysburg Battlefield Preservation Association’s official headquarters.
The farm regularly offers historic tours, living history demonstrations, educational workshops, and reenactor/scouting group encampment events. Seasonal events that occur onsite also include an annual Holiday House Tour & Tasting sponsored by the Inns of the Gettysburg Area, various French and Indian War/World War II-related events, and many others.
However, one of Daniel Lady Farm’s more recent claims to fame is playing host to those renowned annual Gettysburg Battle Reenactments. A yearly yearning that attracts countless spectators to Gettysburg every July, these unique battlefield reenactments have been a major mainstay for many decades. And they continue to rank among the top Gettysburg must-do experiences for visitors and locals alike.
This year’s reenactment, commemorating the 161st anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, is scheduled for Saturday, July 6, and Sunday, July 7. Gates open at 8:30 a.m. on both days. Admission rates range between $15 to $50, depending on age and seating preference.
In addition to the main reenactment event, the scene for the day at Daniel Lady Farm is set to include tours, educational speakers, military demonstrations, a living history village, children’s activities, and so much more. Click here to learn more.
The Historic Daniel Lady Farm is one of many significant sites throughout Gettysburg. There are just so many, all of which carry their own personal and unique backstories.
You will find the Historic Daniel Lady Farm is located at 1008 Hanover Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325. For all other information, including directions, hours of operation, and other events held on location here, visit the website at www.danielladyfarm.com.