A visit to the Jenny Wade House in Gettysburg PA, introduces you to one of the most poignant stories from the American Civil War. This historic site invites visitors to explore the life and tragic death of Jennie Wade, the only civilian casualty during the Battle of Gettysburg.
The house, preserved as a museum, provides an authentic glimpse into 19th-century life. You can tour the rooms where Jennie’s sister and her family lived, viewing period furniture and personal artifacts that paint a vivid picture of their daily lives. Bullet holes in the walls serve as stark reminders of the battle that raged outside.
Want to learn more about the civilian experience during the Civil War? Check out the Shriver House Museum!
During the tour, you’ll have a knowledgeable guide who’ll tell you about Jennie Wade’s life and the events of the battle. You’ll learn about the strategic importance of Gettysburg, the intense combat and the profound impact on the town’s residents. The museum’s exhibits, which include artifacts from the battle and personal items belonging to Jennie and her family, provide a tangible connection to this historic event.
The War Came to Jennie
Jennie Wade, like many other sympathetic civilians, helped support Union soldiers during the battle. On July 3, 1863, as she baked bread in the kitchen for the soldiers, a stray bullet penetrated the house, striking and killing her instantly. She was only 20 years old. Jennie’s story highlights the often overlooked civilian experiences of the war and underscores the indiscriminate nature of wartime violence.
Jennie Wade was visiting her sister, Georgia McClellan, on the day she was killed to help her with household chores and to provide support. Georgia had given birth just a few days earlier. Jennie came to help her during this time. The family home, where Jennie and Georgia’s mother also stayed, was located a few blocks away on Baltimore Street in Gettysburg, placing them in the midst of the battle. Despite the dangers, Jennie focused on her family duties.
The Battle of Gettysburg, fought from July 1 to 3, 1863, marked a turning point in the Civil War. Union and Confederate forces clashed in a brutal conflict that resulted in significant casualties on both sides. The battle ended with a decisive Union victory, halting General Robert E. Lee’s invasion of the North. This victory boosted Union morale.
Exploring the Jenny Wade House offers a unique perspective on the Battle of Gettysburg, blending military history with the human stories that bring it to life. A visit to the house will leave you with a better understanding of the Civil War’s impact on individuals and communities, as well as a deep respect for those who lived through such tumultuous times.
Is the Jennie Wade House Haunted?
The Jennie Wade House is often reputed to be haunted, adding an element of intrigue and mystery to its historical significance. Many visitors and paranormal enthusiasts believe that Jennie Wade’s tragic death left a lasting presence in the home. Some claim to have experienced unexplained phenomena, such as footsteps, disembodied voices, and the sensation of being touched.
These reports have made the house a popular destination for ghost tours and paranormal investigations. The legend of Jennie Wade’s ghost and other spectral occurrences provide an additional layer of interest for those visiting the historic site, blending the lines between history and folklore.
While the haunted reputation adds to the allure of the Jenny Wade House, it remains a deeply significant historical site that commemorates the civilian impact of the Battle of Gettysburg and the life of a local hero.
Know Before You Go
Planning to visit some of Gettysburg’s other attractions while in town? Check out a Value Plan which includes a Bus Tour and choice of three of the following museums:
- Gettysburg Heritage Center
- Gettysburg Diorama
- The Jennie Wade House
- The Shriver House
- The Seminary Ridge Museum
- Gettysburg Beyond the Battle Museum
- World War II American Experience Museum
Getting there: 548 Baltimore St, Gettysburg, PA
Hours: Check the website to determine opening hours, which vary by season, and to pre-purchase tickets.
Website: Jennie Wade House
Gettysburg has so much to see and do. Check out the articles below to find more great daytrip destinations:
- Beyond the Battlefield Museum
- Blood on the Battlefield Ghost Walk
- Bike the Battlefields
- Boyer Cellars Winery
- Cemetery Ridge Hike in Gettysburg National Battlefield Park
- Cideries and Wineries
- Eisenhower National Historic Site
- Gettysburg Food Tour
- Gettysburg Ghost Tours
- Gettysburg Heritage Museum
- Halbrendt Vineyard & Winery
- Hollabaugh Bros Farm Market
- Mason Dixon Distillery
- National Apple Harvest Festival
- National Apple Museum
- Painting in the Vineyards
- Restaurants in Gettysburg
- Scenic Valley Tour
- Shriver House Museum
- Tour the Battlefields with Insite Tour