Trough Rock-T&N

[Gettysburg Greg]

Among the questions and controversies still surrounding the Battle of Gettysburg, I suppose the Harvest of Death photo location is the best known. There are other differences of opinion including the intended function of what is know as Trough Rock in the Slaughter Pen near Devil's Den. It was originally thought to be a man made watering trough for farm animals probably because of a well known photograph of a horse drinking from it. However, several years ago, Tim Smith and G...arry Adelman discovered a plumbing system connected to the rock that brought a continuous flow of fresh water to the trough. They determined that the real purpose of the trough was to provide water for the wet plate photo studio built right next to this rock. In the ca 1890's photo below, you can see that the truth is that it was used for both watering horses as well as supplying water to the studio seen on the right. My now view on the right was taken last year.

 

[MRB1863]

Thanks for sharing! This is another one of our favorite stops when we visit the Most Magical Place to us on the Planet. What a clever method for watering.

 

[Gettysburg Greg]

Thanks for sharing! This is another one of our favorite stops when we visit the Most Magical Place to us on the Planet. What a clever method for watering.

Here is the photo I referenced that I believe first established it as a watering trough for farm animals.

 

[MRB1863]

Here is the photo I referenced that I believe first established it as a watering trough for farm animals.

Yes! I have seen that photo. It was obviously taken sometime after the war since the construction of some monuments on LRT. Thanks, again!

 

[Wallyfish]

Another gem.

I have been to the trough rock several times, however I did not see the plumbing system. Of course I wasn't looking for one either. Is the " plumbing system" visible on the rock itself? If not it would be interesting to find out how Tim and
Garry found it.

I am going to need more time in Gettysburg to revisit these sites. Every post seems to add something else that I want to see again.

The Gettysburg battlefield is large, but no overwhelming so. What is overwhelming is the massive amount of little gems that are found on the battlefield. I feel sorry for the Gettysburg visitor who does a quick tour. While they may see the major stops, they simply are wisked right by all of these gems. My first Gettysburg visit was in 1966 and I go back one or two times a year since 1977. Despite all the trips, I can't wait to return.

 

[MRB1863]

Another gem.

I have been to the trough rock several times, however I did not see the plumbing system. Of course I wasn't looking for one either. Is the " plumbing system" visible on the rock itself? If not it would be interesting to find out how Tim and
Garry found it.

I am going to need more time in Gettysburg to revisit these sites. Every post seems to add something else that I want to see again.

The Gettysburg battlefield is large, but no overwhelming so. What is overwhelming is the massive amount of little gems that are found on the battlefield. I feel sorry for the Gettysburg visitor who does a quick tour. While they may see the major stops, they simply are wisked right by all of these gems. My first Gettysburg visit was in 1966 and I go back one or two times a year since 1977. Despite all the trips, I can't wait to return.

The pipe which was attached to the rock on the left (northwest side) of the rock.

 

[Gettysburg Greg]

Another gem.

I have been to the trough rock several times, however I did not see the plumbing system. Of course I wasn't looking for one either. Is the " plumbing system" visible on the rock itself? If not it would be interesting to find out how Tim and
Garry found it.

I am going to need more time in Gettysburg to revisit these sites. Every post seems to add something else that I want to see again.

The Gettysburg battlefield is large, but no overwhelming so. What is overwhelming is the massive amount of little gems that are found on the battlefield. I feel sorry for the Gettysburg visitor who does a quick tour. While they may see the major stops, they simply are wisked right by all of these gems. My first Gettysburg visit was in 1966 and I go back one or two times a year since 1977. Despite all the trips, I can't wait to return.

Much of what I know about this rock came from Tim and Garry's post on Gettysburg Daily that includes several great videos. I will give you the link to that page and if you scroll down to video#11, I think you'll find out a whole lot of interesting detail about this rock. Check out the whole page, very informative, as usual with those guys. Here's link:
http://www.gettysburgdaily.com/devi...ttlefield-guides-garry-adelman-and-tim-smith/

 

[theoldman]

Greg,

I really look forward to your posts. They are incredible. I have added this site to my list of 'must see' on my next visit.
Are you going to attend the September gathering?

They determined that the real purpose of the trough was to provide water for the wet plate photo studio built right next to this rock

Was this done to accommodate the work of photographing the battlefield, a temporary site?

Thanks

 

[Gettysburg Greg]

Greg,

I really look forward to your posts. They are incredible. I have added this site to my list of 'must see' on my next visit.
Are you going to attend the September gathering?



Was this done to accommodate the work of photographing the battlefield, a temporary site?

Thanks

The original studio, I believe was Mumper's, later became Tipton's. This is very near the rocks of Devil's Den and many tourists were photographed here. Again, my link above to Tim and Garry's post explains it better than I can.

 

[Wallyfish]

Thanks for reminding me about Garry's and Tim's book "Devil's Den A History and Guide".

I have read that book several times as I really enjoy Devil's Den. But lo and behold on pages 125 and 126 they have a concise paragraph on the Trough Rock. It is their tour stop #24. I had no recollection of the story they told.

Over the years,I have also seen many if not all of the Gettysburg Daily posts.

When reading a book/posts/video, I try to focus and commit as much as I can to my memory on the military actions being discussed. I simply cannot get close in memorizing the military actions that comprised the Battle of Gettysburg.
Obviously little factoids of non battle actions get quickly erased from the memory bank.

What I find fascinating about your Trough Rock post is highlighting a feature that had no real military purpose. However it is a fascinating little story that is worthy of committing to memory.

Over the years and through many books and videos I try to find battle related out of the way gems. But the Trough Rock and the photo studio built by Levi Mumper and used later by William Timpton is a nice Gettysburg vignette.

Now ask me in a month if I remember what Levi Mumper did at Gettysburg!