THE JENNIE WADE HOUSE
The Jennie Wade House, nestled in the heart of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, stands as a constant reminder of the harrowing events that unfolded during the Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863. This modest duplex home was shared by two families when it witnessed the chaos and tragedy of war. The McClain family occupied the South side of the house, while the North side was home to Georgia McClellan, Jennie Wade’s sister, and her family.
As the battle loomed, Jennie and her mother sought refuge in Georgia’s home, hoping for safety amidst the turmoil. Just days before the fighting began, Georgia gave birth to her son, Lewis Kenneth McClellan, in the front parlour, adding a layer of humanity to the history of the house. However, the home’s location placed it directly in the crossfire of Confederate and Union troops, leaving it scarred by over 150 bullet strikes and a 10-pound artillery shell that tore through its roof, remnants of which can still be seen today.
Tragically, the house became the site of Jennie Wade’s untimely death, making her the only civilian casualty of the Battle of Gettysburg. On July 3rd, while kneading dough in the kitchen to bake bread for Union soldiers, Jennie was struck by a bullet that pierced two doors before fatally wounding her. She died instantly, her life cut short at just 20 years old. Due to the relentless danger outside, her body was carried by Union soldiers through the house and into the cellar, where it remained for 18 hours until the battle subsided.
Today, the Jennie Wade House remains frozen in time, its walls bearing the scars of war and its rooms echoing with the stories of resilience, sacrifice, and loss. Visitors can explore the home, which has been preserved to look as it did in 1863, and reflect on the enduring legacy of Jennie Wade and the lives forever changed by the battle.
HAUNTINGS OF JENNIE WADE HOUSE
Countless reports of paranormal activity captivate visitors and ghost hunters alike. One of the most compelling tales involves the spirit of Jennie Wade’s father, Captain James Wade Sr., who is said to linger in the basement where Jennie’s body was kept after her tragic death. Photographs taken in the basement have reportedly captured a white mist hovering near the chair beside Jennie’s “body,” believed to be her father watching over her in the afterlife. Paranormal enthusiasts experimenting with Polaroid cameras have also claimed to capture apparitions throughout the house, adding to its eerie reputation.
The upstairs rooms are no stranger to ghostly phenomena, with objects mysteriously moving across the space as if guided by unseen hands. Visitors have also reported encounters with the spirit of a Confederate soldier, who has been spotted in various parts of the house. Some guests have even claimed to feel an invisible touch, as though the spirits of the past are reaching out to make their presence known.
In the kitchen, where Jennie Wade tragically lost her life, her spirit is said to linger, with some visitors swearing they’ve seen her ghostly figure. The scent of freshly baked bread has also been reported by those staying overnight, a poignant reminder of Jennie’s final act of kindness.
The hauntings extend beyond Jennie and her family, with the laughter and footsteps of children echoing through the house. These playful spirits are believed to be orphaned children from the haunted orphanage across the street, drawn to the house by its tragic history.
A peculiar superstition is said to surround the infamous bullet hole that claimed Jennie’s life. According to legend, if a single woman places her ring finger inside the hole, she will receive a marriage proposal within six months. Whether visitors come for the history, the hauntings, or the promise of love, the Jennie Wade House offers an unforgettable experience.
VISITING THE JENNIE WADE HOUSE
The Jennie Wade House stands as a tribute to the resilience, sacrifice, and humanity displayed during one of the most turbulent times in American history. During the Battle of Gettysburg, the town bore witness to unimaginable chaos, and the house itself became a symbol of both tragedy and patriotism. During guided tours led by passionate historians, visitors will find original artefacts like the dough tray on which Jennie was kneading bread when she was killed and the floorboard beneath her, still stained with her blood, serving as a grim reminder of the horrors of war. Even in death, Jennie’s legacy endures, marked by the perpetual flag that flies over her grave, a rare honour shared only with Betsy Ross.
If you found the stories within the Jennie Wade House intriguing then you might also find the haunting history of the Gettysburg Orphanage equally as compelling.
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