Round Top hospitals facts for kids

The Round Top hospitals were important places during the famous Battle of Gettysburg. These hospitals were set up in two houses near Little Round Top on the Gettysburg Battlefield. Today, these houses are part of the community called Round Top, Pennsylvania. They helped many soldiers who were hurt during the battle.

What Were the Round Top Hospitals?

During the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863, many soldiers were wounded. To help them, temporary hospitals were quickly set up close to the fighting. The Round Top hospitals were two of these important places. They were located in houses that belonged to local families.

The Plank Farm Hospital

One of these hospitals was at the farm of Levi and Mary Plank. This farm was used by the Union Army's 1st Division as a field hospital. A field hospital is a temporary medical center set up close to the battle lines.

The Plank farmhouse was located near Taneytown Road. However, on the morning of July 3, 1863, the hospital had to move. It moved to the M. Fissel Farm, which was east of Rock Creek.

The stone house at the Plank farm is still there today. It's located at 921 Taneytown Road. The farm also had a barn across the road, but it burned down in 1967.

An Interesting Story from the Plank Farm

Years after the battle, in 1916, something unusual happened at the Plank home. A 12-year-old girl, the daughter of a local blacksmith, was accidentally shot there. She survived the injury, even with a bullet in her head! Later, she grew up to become a teacher at the Round Top school.

The Group House Hospital

Another important hospital was at the home of John and [Harriet Group]. This house is located along a road now called Sachs Road.

This hospital was a very busy place. A Union General named Taylor was brought here after being wounded. He sadly passed away in the house and was buried in the garden. However, his body was later moved.

Another famous general, Francis C. Barlow, was also taken to the Group house. He was badly wounded at a place called Barlow Knoll. He had first received some care at another farm before being brought to the Group house. Mrs. Barlow, his wife, often visited him there.

The Group farm was quite large, about 34 acres. In 1891, the Group's son, Jacob, bought the farm.