McPherson Barn Then and Now

[Gettysburg Greg]

One of the most recognizable landmarks on the battlefield is the iconic McPherson Barn, my first stop every trip to Gettysburg. The structure we see today looks very much the same as it did in 1863 thanks to the great restoration efforts of the NPS back in 1978. Prior to that the barn had significantly deteriorated and looked nothing like it did when photographed by Mathew Brady soon after the battle. Brady's photograph was used as a guide during the restoration. By the early 1900's, when the top photo was taken, the run down barn looked nothing like the restored structure seen in my bottom image. Note the insert at top left is a magnified view showing the original Oak Ridge tower before it was shortened in the 1960's.

 

[John Winn]

I always enjoy your posts; thanks.

 

[JOHN42768]

The stories it could tell.

 

[infomanpa]

I wish that they could reconstruct that house that was there.

 

[Kip124thNY]

Thanks for posting, I always enjoy your pictures and the accompanying info.