Get Out of Town -- July 5, 2012

A Trip to North Cavalry Field

 The sign above is located northeast of the town of Gettysburg at the corner of Route 394 and Granite Station Road. In the tiny hamlet of Hunterstown took place one of the cavalry clashes that helped to determine the outcome of the 3 day battle of Gettysburg. This encounter, which took place in the late afternoon of July 2, 1863 has come to be known as North Cavalry Field. Engaged here were a very young George Armstrong Custer of the Union and Wade Hampton of the CSA.
Although today Hunterstown remains very small, the people of the town and Adams County are working to preserve the history of this area. If you have time, you might find this website very interesting.

http://www.hunterstown1863.com/

The cavalry battle between Custer and Hampton was critical in delaying the CSA's attempt to move on Culp's hill from the northeast.In the town are the Tate farm and blacksmith shop and the Jacob Grass hotel.
Nearby is the Great Conewago Presbyterian Church, which served as a hospital on the day of the battle.