Schmucker Hall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Schmucker Hall |
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Old Dorm was used as the 1913 "Seminary Hotel" for important guests at the 50th battle anniversary. A special porch was added in May 1914 to remember the reunion.
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| General information | |
| Location | 111 Seminary Avenue |
| Town or city | Lutheran Theological Seminary |
| Country | United States |
| Coordinates | 39°49′55″N 77°14′41″W / 39.83194°N 77.24472°W |
Schmucker Hall is a very important historical building. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Adams County, Pennsylvania. This means it is recognized as a special place in American history.
The building was first built for the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg. It served as the main building for students from 1832 to 1895. Later, it became a dormitory until 1951.
During the American Civil War in 1863, Schmucker Hall played a big role. It was used as a hospital by both the Union and Confederate armies during the Battle of Gettysburg.
Today, Schmucker Hall is home to the Seminary Ridge Museum. It opened in 2013, exactly 150 years after the famous battle. The museum teaches visitors about the battle, the seminary, and life during the Civil War. It also explores how different faith groups viewed slavery. You can even take tours of the building's cupola! The museum has won many awards for its exhibits and restoration.
Schmucker Hall's Early Days
The seminary first opened its doors on September 5, 1826. It started with 11 students in an older building. In 1830, plans were made to build a new, larger building. This new building would become Schmucker Hall.
The new seminary campus was built on a ridge. This ridge became known as Haupt's Hill. It was located west of the town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
Schmucker Hall During the Battle of Gettysburg
Schmucker Hall was very important during the Gettysburg Campaign. On June 30, 1863, the building's cupola (a small dome on the roof) was used as an observation point. Soldiers could see far across the land from there.
On July 1, Union soldiers used the area near Schmucker Hall for their artillery. Later that day, Confederate soldiers captured the ridge. They then used the area for their own artillery.
The building also became a hospital for wounded soldiers. Both Union and Confederate troops were treated there. The last patient left the hospital on September 16, 1863.
Later Years and Museum Opening
In 1913, lightning struck the cupola, causing a fire. The seminary stopped using Schmucker Hall as its main building in 1954.
In 1961, the Adams County Historical Society moved into the building. They used it to store historical records and artifacts. In 1995, they signed a 30-year lease to continue using the building.
In 1972, Gettysburg recognized Schmucker Hall as an important historic structure. In 1976, the Daughters of the American Revolution dedicated a special room in the hall.
Schmucker Hall was even featured in the 1993 movie Gettysburg. The film showed its cupola as an observation tower during the battle.
In 2004, plans began to restore Schmucker Hall. The goal was to turn it into a museum. The Gettysburg National Military Park helped with funding. In 2013, on the 150th anniversary of the battle, the Seminary Ridge Museum officially opened. It continues to educate visitors about this important time in history.
