Union Brig. General Alexander Schimmelfennig

History is to be found everywhere in the town of Gettysburg. In addition to the monuments, plaques & cannons, useful tools called “Wayside Markers” are also available for the serious or casual student of the battle. A great deal of valuable insight may be obtained by paying careful attention to these markers as you visit the area.

On such marker can be found at the former home of Henry & Catherine Garlach – the address being 319 Baltimore Street.

This marker relates the story of Union Brig. General Alexander Schimmelfennig who, on July 1, 1863, found himself wounded & riding through the town desperately trying to avoid capture (or worse) by the advancing Confederates.

With his horse shot from underneath him, General Schimmelfennig realized that he would not make it back to the Union lines. He quickly sought shelter under a drainage ditch cover behind the Garlach home.

Under cover of darkness the General moved out from the cover & squeezed himself between a wood pile & a hog swill barrel. Mrs. Garlach discovered him while feeding the hogs & managed to discreetly supply him with food & water during his concealment.

General Schimmelfennig was not able to return to his men until the last of the Confederate sharpshooters left the town on July 4th.