Located near the Camp Letterman hospital site during the Battle of Gettysburg, the Wolf Farm was an
When the war came to Gettysburg, all this changed. Like the other farms in the county and beyond, the conflict caused deprivation, chaos and at times loss of property and civilian life. The Wolf Farm was in no way kept from the inevitable event. The buildings; homes, barn, and outbuildings were certainly used as caring areas for wounded and dying soldiers during and after the battle.
After Camp Letterman ceased to exit and the armies moved onto the next campaign, the Wolf family rebuilt and made every effort to return to a normal life, if that was possible at all.
Today, 150 years later, these important historic structures and sites could relay to the general public a segment of the valorous actions taken during and after the battle. However, the structures no longer exist. The farmlands have returned to wilderness and where rows of corn and wheat once stood, and animals grazed on green grass now is a distant memory of the historians who know the story.
The foundations of the home and some buildings are still visible. With period photos of the farm site, buildings can be constructed on-site to replicate the original farm. Thus, returning these once important structures to the viewshed of east Gettysburg.
Once constructed and the fencing raised as needed to its historic form, the fields can be returned to their prominence and the animals reintroduced. once more to the agrarian life of the Wolf family farm can be realized. But that’s not all, with the reconstructed farm open to the public for tours and demonstrations, a family of educators will be on staff to manage the farm and direct the facility into a new era, The Wolf Farm Living History Center.
The center will offer a broad information base about the farms of Adams County with the introduction of the military aspect of the farm during and after the battle of 1863. Living history scenarios will be ongoing throughout the farm drawing the visitor from one location to another, this will be a true educational learning experience while enjoying at every step.
An one-of-a-kind opportunity in the Gettysburg area nestled into the greater Camp Letterman Park, Wolf Farm will certainly cause return visitors year after year.
