Abraham Bryan: Gettysburg Citizen and Inspiration
The Battle of Gettysburg marked a crucial turning point in the American Civil War. The Confederate Army, led by General Robert E. Lee, sought to invade Northern territory and dealt a heavy blow during the initial days of battle. However, Union forces, commanded by General George G. Meade, bravely held their ground, culminating in a decisive Union victory. Not only did the battle have a huge impact on the future of the nation but it caused significant impact on Gettysburg residents. One such resident was Abraham Bryan and his farm which served as a crucial landmark during the fight for control of the region.
Abraham Bryan: Free Man
Abraham Bryan and his family were members of Gettysburg’s free African American Community. He purchased his 12-acre farm in 1857 where he lived with his wife Elizabeth and two children. On the farm Abraham’s crops included wheat, barley, and hay as well as a small orchard that produced apples and peaches. The Gettysburg farm was a mere 8 miles away from Maryland where some 87,000 slaves that were held in Maryland on the eve of the American Civil War.
Threat of War
This close proximity to Maryland was of some concern for the Bryan family particularly when rumors of the Confederacy invading Pennsylvania began to increase in 1863. Out of concern for his family and to escape the path of the Confederate Army, Abraham Bryan took his wife and children and fled his farm.
Aftermath of War
Abraham’s instincts were proven correct. The Bryan Farm found itself situated directly in the center of Union lines near the High-Water Mark. His home was riddled with shot and shell. His crops were destroyed, his animals were taken, and his small orchard suffered much damage. Returning to his farm after the battle, Abraham, like many Gettysburg residents, was faced with the very real task of repairing and rebuilding his pre-war life.
In addition to the extensive damage Abraham’s farm was littered with 106 hastily dug graves to bury the dead. Records show Abraham calculated his losses to be at $1028. He ultimately received $15 from the United States Government in compensation.
The Bryan house shortly after the battle, facing southwest toward the scene of Pickett’s Charge. Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, Civil War Photographs, LC-DIG-cwpb-01860
After the War
Abraham repaired his home and continued farming until 1869 when he sold his property. He moved into the town of Gettysburg where he took a job as a hostler in a local hotel. He died on the 30th of May 1879 and is buried in Gettysburg’s Lincoln Cemetery.
The Farm Today
Today, Abraham Bryan’s farm is maintained by the National Park Service. It stands as a silent witness to some of the heaviest fighting that occurred during the Battle of Gettysburg.
