Neil Avenue access ?

[Wallyfish]

As mentioned in one of my prior posts, I have a relentless desire to seek out areas of the Gettysburg battlefield that are not visited often.

One area I have never been to is Neil Avenue.
The Gettysburg Daily site has a post on how to find Neil Avenue. They have you parking at Clapsaddle Road. Then taking a trail into the woods which eventually reaches Neil Lane. I have seen many comments on the posted property in and about this area.

The last thing I want to do is trespass. For those that have visited Neil Lane, is the trail easily found?
If so, do you simply follow the trail until you reach Neil Avenue?

The right flank marker is my primary goal, but I know the 43 NY and other markers are back there.
Any comments are appreciated.

 

[pamc153PA]

Here's my take on it.

http://civilwartalk.com/threads/trek-to-neill-avenue.90287/#post-724863

I have also tried to cross Rock Creek to get there at the McAllister's Mill ford, but the creek was too high since it had jus rained. Next time I go, I plan to either call Dean Shultz or stop by his house at the end of Clapsaddle Road, to let him know I'll be coming up there. He's such a legend about that area and the battlefield that I would absolutely love to have him give me a tour, but I don't want to be annoying!

 

[cash]

Here's my take on it.

http://civilwartalk.com/threads/trek-to-neill-avenue.90287/#post-724863

I have also tried to cross Rock Creek to get there at the McAllister's Mill ford, but the creek was too high since it had jus rained. Next time I go, I plan to either call Dean Shultz or stop by his house at the end of Clapsaddle Road, to let him know I'll be coming up there. He's such a legend about that area and the battlefield that I would absolutely love to have him give me a tour, but I don't want to be annoying!

Dean loves giving tours. Give him a call. They have his number at the information desk at the Visitors Center.

 

[reading48]

I visited Lost Lane Twice.. Asked permission from Dean Shultz...Was granted permission, The only thing he was concerned about was to be careful of the electrified cow fence and make sure it was secured after passing thru the gates....

 

[Eric Wittenberg]

Do NOT think about going on the property without Dean's permission, because you will be trespassing if you do. As pointed out above, he does have an electrified fence for his cows. Dean loves to show off "his" monuments, and if you seek permission in advance, it's entirely possible that he will take you up there himself.

 

[Wallyfish]

Thanks, I did read the trek to Neil avenue post before I posted my question.

Her comments on the trespassing raised my concern. Now with Eric's comments, I have the fear of trespass and electrocution! Eric, I am a fan of your work. I have an unsatisfiable appetite for anything Gettysburg so keep up the writing.

I typically visit Gettysburg, on day trips. Would you recommend stopping at the visitor center to get Dean's number and seeing if I could gain access that day?

I cherish getting this information. Thank you and happy holidays!

 

[Tom Elmore]

That's Neill, as in Thomas Hewson Neill, Union Brigadier General, commanding 3rd Brigade, 2nd Division, 6th Corps in the Army of the Potomac at Gettysburg. Neill attended the University of Pennsylvania from 1841-1843, before entering the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He graduated from there in 1847, ranked 27th among 38 graduates in his class.

 

[Wallyfish]

Thanks Tom.

I have seen it spelled both ways (1 L & 2 L's). I now see the errors of my way. Of course my self correction IPad spell check will morph it into something else. Have to turn that off one day! Have had to change yo about a thousand times back to " to".

 

[Tom Elmore]

Can the next visitor to Neill Avenue locate "Gilfillan's boulder," and inform as to how far away it is from the 43rd New York monument, or better, the approximate distance from the wall held by the 43rd New York where it meets the woods on its right (east end), to that boulder. I've just read an excellent account written by an unidentified member of Company B, 43rd New York describing how, when the regiment halted behind the wall, Captain William H. Gilfillan was ordered forward as skirmishers with his company, A, on the far right of the regiment, up through the woods. They immediately encountered the enemy (2nd Virginia) posted behind rocks and trees and apparently were taken by surprise. Gilfillan was struck below his stomach, the ball passing out of his back. He was propped up against a boulder at that spot and soon expired. Another soldier in his company was also killed. See this site (Green-Wood cemetery in New York) for details, including a photograph of "Gilfillan's boulder":

http://www.green-wood.com/2015/civil-war-biographies-gibbes-hallick-2/

Very few accounts exist of the action between Neill's brigade and the Confederates, and this is one of the most informative that I have yet encountered.

 

[pamc153PA]

Can the next visitor to Neill Avenue locate "Gilfillan's boulder," and inform as to how far away it is from the 43rd New York monument, or better, the approximate distance from the wall held by the 43rd New York where it meets the woods on its right (east end), to that boulder. I've just read an excellent account written by an unidentified member of Company B, 43rd New York describing how, when the regiment halted behind the wall, Captain William H. Gilfillan was ordered forward as skirmishers with his company, A, on the far right of the regiment, up through the woods. They immediately encountered the enemy (2nd Virginia) posted behind rocks and trees and apparently were taken by surprise. Gilfillan was struck below his stomach, the ball passing out of his back. He was propped up against a boulder at that spot and soon expired. Another soldier in his company was also killed. See this site (Green-Wood cemetery in New York) for details, including a photograph of "Gilfillan's boulder":

http://www.green-wood.com/2015/civil-war-biographies-gibbes-hallick-2/

Very few accounts exist of the action between Neill's brigade and the Confederates, and this is one of the most informative that I have yet encountered.

Sounds like kind of challenge I like!