Gettysburg Greg
First Sergeant
- Joined
- Jun 6, 2010
- Location
- Decatur, Illinois
Most Gettysburg battlefield trompers are familiar with the Trough Rock located in the Slaughter Pen area across from Devil's Den. The origin and purpose of the man made trough continue to be a subject for debate even today. Was it there before the battle? Magnified details from Gardner's July 1863 photographs appear to show the trough as we see it today. Many believe it was to provide a watering source for live stock because of a well known photo showing a horse drinking from the trough. Others say that is not logical because Plum Run is within a few yards of the rock. Garry Adelman and Tim Smith theorize that it was used primarily as a water source for the Mumper/Tipton photo studio that was built right next to the TR in the 1880's. It appears to me that there could be some truth in both theories as shown in the photo below on the left. The ca. 1880's photo shows a horse imbibing at the trough and also includes the wet plate photo studio that may have also relied on the TR as a water source. I will include the blow up of the Gardner photo I referenced above so you can form your own opinion as to whether the trough existed in 1863.