Weikert Farm Field Hospital Walnut Battlefield Tree Magnifying Glass
Born at the beginning of the 19th century, George Weikert moved his family from Maryland to the Gettysburg area in 1838. He purchased the 78-acre farm located near the north end of the Round Tops in 1852. Like many Adams County residents George and his family vacated their home during the fighting on July 1-3, 1863.
When they returned after the battle, they found it being used as a field hospital for wounded Union troops. The wounded and dead filled the parlor of the home. Amputated limbs were piled outside. At least six soldiers who succumbed to their wounds were buried in the yard. They were later exhumed and relocated to the then new National Cemetery just a short distance away.
In addition to its service as a field hospital the farm also saw fighting, particularly on days two and three of the battle. Given its proximity to the Union line and the nearby Trostle Farm, the house and barn must have certainly provided shelter to troops under fire from advancing Confederates. A brigade from New Jersey held the ground during the battle. Later, survivors of that brigade bought the farm for preservation. The farm is now owned by the National Park Service and serves as a residence for park service staff.
Gettysburg Sentinels crafts products using reclaimed wood harvested in September 2022 from the repairs to a storm-damaged walnut tree on the property. The tree still stands today, just southeast of the original barn.
All of our products include documentation related to the tree.