GDG- Camp Letterman

[Lisa Malandra]

Many times this group has discussed preservation efforts at Gettysburg, including Camp Letterman.  Before today, my knowledge was based only on the written word.  I was very fortunate to take part in the Gettysburg Foundation's "John Scott Adams Seminar" today.  Sue Boardman was the guide and the topic was Camp Letterman from its' formation following the battle until its' closure on November 20, 1863.  As any program with Sue is outstanding, this one stood out.  Alot of that has to do with the proposed development on the available portions of the area.  The morning consisted of an indoor lecture that was highlighted by excellent maps, personal and professional information about Dr. Jonathan Letterman, and the history of the Camp.  There was a good dose of the civilian volunteer and professional nurses' stories thrown in for good measure.  The afternoon was the best though.  Although this is not an easy walk and definitely not for the faint of heart, every briar, ditch, barbed wire, muddy cornfield and old tire dump was well worth the effort to get past or over.  If you haven't explored this important piece of Gettysburg's history, take the time to do it.  With development looming in the very near future, this may well be our last chance before this parcel is completely gobbled up by commercial and residential development.

Regards to all,
Lisa Malandra