Schmucker Hall facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Schmucker Hall |
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This building, called 'Old Dorm,' was used as a hotel for important guests during the 50th anniversary of the battle in 1913.
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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 old and important building in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. It played a big part in the American Civil War and is now a special place listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
During the 1863 Battle of Gettysburg, this building was used as a hospital by both the Union and Confederate armies. Before and after the battle, it was the main building for the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg from 1832 to 1895. Later, it became a dormitory for students until 1951.
In 1960, the Adams County Historical Society started using the building. They worked with the Seminary Ridge Historic Preservation Foundation to fix up the building. In 2013, on the 150th anniversary of the battle, Schmucker Hall officially opened as the Seminary Ridge Museum. The museum teaches visitors about the battle, the seminary, and life during the Civil War. It has won many awards for its exhibits.
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The Early Days of Schmucker Hall
The seminary first opened its doors on September 5, 1826. It started with 11 students in an older building called the Gettysburg Academy. In 1830, plans were made to build a new, bigger building.
The new building was designed to be 100 feet long. The middle part was 50 feet square and two stories high. It had two wings, each 30 by 25 feet and three stories high. This new building became the center of the seminary campus. It was built on a ridge west of Gettysburg, which later became known as Haupt's Hill.
Schmucker Hall During the Battle of Gettysburg
Schmucker Hall, also known as "Old Dorm," was very important during the Gettysburg Campaign. On June 30, 1863, before the main battle, the cupola (the small dome on top) of Old Dorm was used as a lookout point. Soldiers could see far across the land from there.
On July 1, 1863, the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg, Union artillery (cannons) were placed near the building. Later that day, after fierce fighting, Confederate forces captured the area. They then used their own artillery from this ridge.
After the fighting, Schmucker Hall became a hospital for wounded soldiers from both sides. It was a place where doctors and nurses worked hard to care for the injured. The last patient left the hospital on September 16, 1863.
Later Years and Museum Opening
In 1913, lightning struck the cupola of Schmucker Hall, causing a fire. The seminary stopped using Old Dorm as a main building in 1954.
In April 1961, the Adams County Historical Society moved into the building. They began a long-term lease in 1995. In 1972, the building was recognized as an important historic structure.
Schmucker Hall was even used 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 Seminary Ridge Historic Preservation Foundation led this effort with help from the Gettysburg National Military Park. Finally, in 2013, on the 150th anniversary of the battle, the building opened as the Seminary Ridge Museum. The museum teaches visitors about the battle, the seminary, the town, and the Civil War. You can even take tours of the historic cupola!
Images for kids
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This building, called 'Old Dorm,' was used as a hotel for important guests during the 50th anniversary of the battle in 1913.
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Oakridge Select Academy, a school near Schmucker Hall.
