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In 1863, this was the home and farm of Abraham Bryan. He and James
Warfield, who owned a farm and blacksmith shop near Seminary Ridge,
were among a small unique group of farmers on the battlefield. They
were free black men, and they were property owners.
When the Confederate Army invaded Pennsylvania during the summer of
1963, Bryan and his family left the area. On July 2, Union soldiers
occupied Bryan's farm and home. They dismantled his fences to build
breastworks, and trampled his crops. Heavy fighting raged around the
farm, particularly on July 3 during the Pickett- Pettigrew Charge,
exposing the home and buildings to musketry and shell fire.
Following the battle, Bryan returned to begin repairs to his farm.
Like nearly all the area farmers he filed claims (with the federal
government) for damages. Out of $1028 requested, he received $15.
Many farmers received nothing.
The damage inflicted by the battle did not discourage or ruin Bryan.
He rebuilt his 12-acre farm and prospered until his death in 1879.
Bryan Barn across the road from House |
