The Battle of Gettysburg has been etched in our nation's
history forever. These battles are known as the
"bloodiest" and also as a major turning point in the Civil
War.
The Gettysburg Battle began on July 1st, 1863 and ended,
following Pickett's Charge, 2 days later, on July 3rd, 1863. The
ending brought victory for the Union Armies who succeeded in turning back
the troops of General Robert E. Lee.
After the 3 days of fighting, it was reported that the
Confederate Army suffered over 20,000 casualties and the Union Army had
over 23,000 men killed, wounded or taken prisoner.
The afternoon of July 2, 1863 has been recalled as one of
the most important and most confusing battles fought during the Civil
War. This day was marked with much controversy and much blood
shed.
Although there were many farms/homes (including others owned
by Trostle's) located on the Battlefield of Gettysburg, 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.
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."
The farm was sold in January 1899 to the United States
Government for $4500.
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 Sickle.**
