Gettysburg Battlefield - Split Rock

A Brief History: Split Rock is a location in Gettysburg, PA located off of Brooke Avenue between Rose Farm and Rose Woods, directly west of the 64th New York Infantry Monument. This location is known for having some of the most recognized photos taken by photographer Alexander Gardner directly after the battle of Gettysburg during the civil war. In March of 1967 college student William Frassanito rediscovered this location after five years of searching using the photos. The rediscovery of this site led to unlocking many of the questions historians had on the exact locations of Confederate bodies on the battlefield. It also led to a new respect on how people viewed 19th century photographs. It led to a long series of then and now shots that show just what conditions on the battlefield were like. Additionally, one of the most famous photographs called the “Bent Knee Soldier” was taken here. It is believed that this photo was used as inspiration for the 116th Pennsylvania monument, which is unique as being the only monument to depict a corpse. Some of the other famous photos taken here include the “Dead soldier eaten by pig,” “Line of dead soldiers,” and “V-shaped corpses.”

Haunted History: Although this is one of the most seldom visited locations on the battlefield, there are still many claims of strange phenomenon occurring at the Split Rock. There have been reports of a black shadowy male figure that appears to be looking over the area of split rock. People have also claimed of strange smells and shadow figures and there was even a report of someone claiming to see Alexander Gardner’s Dark Room out in the field of split rock.