GDG- Triangular Field and the railroad cut

[JoAnn Bartlett]

Hi,
  While it has been a while since I've returned to my adopted home, I can't believe the oddly shaped little field at the top of Devil's Den would be gone. The wooden fence at one end is a real help in finding the Triangular Field. I remember well talking to the late, wonderful, Brian Pohanka about the making of The Movie. He informed me that the Trianglular Field was the only spot on the REAL battlefield that was used while filming. He told me that when you see the horse running off during the battle, that the movie horse actually ran the same way! "The hair on my neck stood up," he said. I guess no matter how many "takes" were needed to get the shot desired, the horse used in the movie always went in the same direction. Just one of many "spooky" things at G'burg.
  Several years ago, pre-Latscher, Gettysburg College entered into an agreement with NPS for some property near the RR cut. Dubbed by Frassanito and others, The Great Terrain Robbery, was at the very least improper. I think the land was exchanged for a promise by the college that it would never ruin the view of the area by constructing more buildings.
  The area involved is not too far from Larsen's Motel along Route 30. I'm not sure if the name has changed - last I knew one of the Monahans bought it. If you walk down the tracks behind the college, it becomes more clear what land was involved.
  If I remember right, one of the regiments (I think the 95th NY) stopped in that area to tear up its battle flag and each man took a piece. For that alone, the exchange is sad.
  After living in the 'Burg for so long, you begin to realize that the college leans mighty heavy sometimes. It's a shame that happens, especially when it creates the CW Insitute each year. The public image in the 'Burg is often very different from what really happens, but no one talks about it much.
  Such a lovely spot, it's so difficult to realize so much carnage took place. Like so many places, it becomes a case of preservation vs. development. It's a balancing act. Sometimes it tips one way, sometimes another.
  JoAnn B.
   
  "Just to hold a good book is to shake hands with the soul of him that wrote it."
  Owen Parry
  Faded Coat of Blue