McMillan Woods facts for kids

McMillan Woods is a special forest area located on the famous Gettysburg Battlefield in Pennsylvania. This wooded area played a role during the historic Battle of Gettysburg. After the battle, it became a site for various camps. These included a CCC camp and later a WWII Prisoner of War (POW) camp.

You can still find old Rifle Pits and Earth Works from the battle within the woods. In 1920, a special metal tablet was placed here to mark the site. Today, McMillan Woods is also home to a popular youth campground.

A Look at McMillan Woods' History

McMillan Woods has a rich history, especially concerning its use as a camping ground. Over the years, many different groups have used this forest for their activities.

Early Camps and Training

In 1906, a large military camp called Camp Henderson was set up here. It belonged to the Pennsylvania National Guard. Soldiers used about 95 acres (0.38 km²) of McMillan Woods and nearby farms for their training. They practiced maneuvers from Zeigler's Grove all the way to Devil's Den. This shows how important the area was for military training even decades after the Civil War.

The CCC Camp Era

On February 3, 1934, a special camp opened in McMillan Woods. This was CCC camp NP-2, part of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC was a program during the Great Depression that helped young men find work. They built parks, planted trees, and helped with conservation efforts. Charles Heilman was the commander of this camp in 1936.

By March 1942, the McMillan Woods CCC camp was set to close. Before it closed, it became the first CCC camp to have an "all colored staff" in 1939. This was a significant step in its history.

World War II POW Camp

During World War II, the former CCC camp in McMillan Woods was transformed. On November 15, 1944, it became the Gettysburg WWII POW Camp. Prisoners of war were moved here to replace an older stockade. This camp housed captured enemy soldiers during the war.

Youth Camps and Community Use

After the war, McMillan Woods continued to serve the community. On August 9, 1949, the site of the old POW camp was used for a camporee (a large gathering) of the Black Walnut Boy Scout district.

By 1966, Boy Scout summer camps, which used to be held at Pardee Field, moved to McMillan Woods. This made the woods a regular spot for young scouts to learn and explore.

In 1989, the McMillan Woods Youth Campground received important upgrades. These improvements helped the campground host about 5,500 campers every year. It continues to be a popular place for youth groups to experience nature and history.