Gettysburg Battlefield - Bloody Wheat Fields

A Brief History: Thursday, July 2nd 1863 began like countless others had. The sun rose and shined down on the rows of wheat that made up the Rose family farm, giving off a warm glow. However, by day’s end those very same rows of wheat would be matted down, and stained blood red. On this day Confederate infantry overran General Sickles Union troops positioned at Devil’s Den. As the Confederate forces pushed through the area they ran into Union forces of the 17th Maine who were tasked with holding the area. More troops on both sides moved into the small location. In the midst of the fighting, Union General James Barnes pulled the soldiers of his command back. The reasoning is still debated today. However, in doing so it created a vacuum that Confederate soldiers began to fill in an attempt to overwhelm the remaining Union forces. The fighting was a confusing and desperate bloodbath. For the next two hours, 11 brigade sized forces clashed resulting in the area being nicknamed the “Bloody Wheatfield.” When the dust settled that evening Confederate forces were unable to push any further into the Union lines. Exhausted soldiers on both sides then prepared for the next day’s fighting.

Of the 20,000 soldiers who fought in the Wheatfield that day, 6,000 perished. The highly regarded Irish Brigade known for their stout bravery under fire was all but decimated. The battle for the Wheatfield became known as one of the bloodiest battles of the American Civil War.

Haunted History: The Wheat Field is also known for its claims regarding the paranormal. Many people attempting to investigate the location report experiencing camera malfunctions, and battery drains. There are also numerous reports of people hearing gun and cannon fire. Those who walk the field while it’s quiet sometimes state that they can hear mumbling, crying in pain, and other indications of what happened there in 1863. Something to consider if you should find yourself standing out there on the old Rose family farm land, not far from the famous Devil’s Den, and Peach Orchard. Listen carefully, and just maybe you too will find something more than monuments standing like sentries to another time.