Jennie Wade was the only civilian killed during The Battle of Gettysburg in the now famous Jennie Wade House. This house still stands very much the same as it did over 140 years ago.
Who was Jennie Wade? Mary Virginia Wade, or better known as Jennie Wade was the only civilian killed during the Battle of Gettysburg on July 3, 1863 while baking bread for Union soldiers. She was struck by a single bullet that traveled through two wooden doors killing her instantly. Jennie Wade was 20 years old. "During" meaning while the fighting occurred on July 3rd. Other civilians had died later as a result of the Battle of Gettysburg. For many months after the Gettysburg Battle, civilians would find un-exploded artillery shells or loaded muskets in the surrounding fields. Gettysburg children would play with them while others would try to dismantle them. This sometimes led to the explosion of a shell or the discharging of a gun, either killing or maiming them badly. This information was well documented in the local newspapers such as the Adams Sentinel.
Jennie Wade History. Jennie was born Mary Virginia Wade on May 21, 1843 in a little town named Gettysburg, Adams County, Pennsylvania. Jennie Wade's birthplace was in a another house located on Baltimore Street. Her nickname "Ginnie" most likely came from her middle name Virginia.
Jennie Wade House History. The Jennie Wade house, originally the McClellan home, lived through the Battle of Gettysburg and witnessed the tragic death of Gettysburg civilian Jennie Wade, as she was preparing bread for the Union soldiers. This brick house was not a good spot to be in during the fighting as it was between the two armies. Northern soldiers were setting up defenses south of town while Confederate forces were occupying the north side of town. As both armies fired on each other, the Jennie Wade home was struck repeatedly and riddled with bullets. The north side received most of the damage as it faced the Confederate position and today is marked with over 150 bullet holes. Also causing damage to the Jenny Wade house was a Confederate 10-pounder "Parrot" artillery shell. The shell hit and entered the Jennie wade house going through and causing damage to the 2nd floor wall that separated the two dwellings. Fortunately, the Civil War projectile did not explode, and remained lodged in the house for many years after the war until it was removed. Evidence of this direct hit can still be seen today while taking the tour of the Jenny Wade house. The Jennie Wade House is a double-unit dwelling and is located on the southern end of Baltimore Street as you approach Cemetery Hill. This is the house that Jennie Wade was killed in. During the time of the Gettysburg battle, two families lived in this house: Jennie's sister Georgia McClellan and Susan McClain.
Jennie Wade Monument. Mary Virginia Wade Monument. Jennie Wade was shot and killed on July 3, 1863 and is buried in Gettysburg's Evergreen Cemetery. This was her third and final resting place. The Jennie Wade monument was erected in 1900 and is one of the most popular and most visited gravesites in the cemetery. Interesting fact: An Executive order was made to allow a flag to fly 24 hours a day at the Jennie Wade gravesite. The only other woman who shares this distinction is the Betsy Ross House in Philadelphia Pennsylvania. The Jennie Wade monument is a must see for anyone traveling to historic Gettysburg!
Is the Jennie Wade House Haunted?
Some people think so. There are many stories circulating about paranormal events taking place in the Jennie Wade House. Many speculate the spirit of Jennie Wade still resides in the house where she was killed. While touring the Jennie Wade house, some people get emotional while others claim to smell the scent of fresh bread. Taking pictures in the Jennie Wade house can produce what "ghost hunters" or paranormal investigators refer to as is ectoplasm and orbs. While touring the Jennie Wade house, the last stop is the basement or cellar. This is where Jennie lay until being interred. Here you will find some great pictures taken by others who've toured the Wade house. The haunted Jennie Wade House, True or not? Whatever the case may be, The Jennie Wade home is a great reminder of the cataclysmic battle that took place in the town of Gettysburg. Recommended Reading Ghosts of Gettysburg Books
Jennie Wade Facts. Name: Mary Virginia Wade Nicknames: "Jennie", "Gin", or "Ginnie", Jenny Wade. • Jennie Wade was the only Gettysburg civilian to be killed during the Battle of Gettysburg. • Jennie Wade was only 20 years old at the time of her death. • The name "Jennie" most likely came from a misprint in the newspaper. • After Jennie Wade's death, she was buried in her sister's yard for about 6 months, then transferred to a cemetery adjoined to the German Reformed Church, until her third and final resting place in November 1865, in the Evergreen Cemetery.
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