East Cemetery Hill facts for kids
Quick facts for kids East Cemetery Hill |
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The slope of East Cemetery Hill with a statue of General Howard
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| Geography | |
| Location | Cumberland Township, Adams County, Pennsylvania, United States |
East Cemetery Hill is an important piece of land at the Gettysburg Battlefield in Pennsylvania. It was a key location during the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863, especially during the battle of East Cemetery Hill. This hill is located just east of Gettysburg's Baltimore Street and the Baltimore Pike. These two roads meet right on the hill. East Cemetery Hill is like a smaller bump, or "spur," coming off the main Cemetery Hill to its east.
Today, you can find many monuments and statues on the hill that honor the soldiers who fought there. You can also still see some of the old artillery positions, called "lunettes," that were used during the battle. Two roads, Slocum Avenue and Wainwright Avenue, are also located on or near the hill.
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History of East Cemetery Hill
This area has a long history, even before the famous battle.
Early Days and Naming
In 1785, when the town of Gettysburg was first being planned, the survey line for the town went right across this hill. Later, in 1807, a company built a toll road on top of the hill, where people had to pay to pass. The hill was originally known by another name, Raffensberger Hill. But in 1858, it was renamed "East Cemetery Hill." This happened after Evergreen Cemetery was created on the south side of the main Cemetery Hill in 1854.
After the Battle of Gettysburg
After the intense fighting of the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863, Union soldiers set up a camp on East Cemetery Hill. Years later, in 1886, another camp called Camp Hancock was also established here. This was a "postbellum" camp, meaning it was set up after the Civil War ended.
The Gettysburg Battlefield Memorial Association (GBMA) was a group that worked to preserve the battlefield. They bought the land on East Cemetery Hill to protect it. In 1878, the GBMA built a wooden observation tower on the hill. This tower was about 40 feet (12 meters) tall and was near the monument for Battery B, Pennsylvania Light Artillery. From the top, visitors could look out over the battlefield.
Becoming a National Park
East Cemetery Hill officially became part of the Gettysburg National Military Park in 1895. This meant the land would be protected by the government for everyone to visit and learn from.
Interestingly, in 1875, about 10 acres (4 hectares) of land on East Cemetery Hill were dug up to find iron. Later, in 1882, the Gettysburg Water Company dug a well on the hill to provide water.
In 1912, work began on the Gettysburg Cyclorama building. This building was created for the big 1913 Gettysburg reunion, where many Civil War veterans gathered. Finally, in 1932, the large statue of General Howard on horseback was placed on the hill.
