Gettysburg Hospitals Part 1 With Licensed Battlefield Guide Phil Lechak
May 16, 2011
Gettysburg Licensed Battlefield Guide Phil Lechak is the host for our Gettysburg Hospitals program. He is standing by the marker to the Field Hospital of the Eleventh Corps, near the entrance to the George Spangler Farm. This view was taken facing southwest at approximately 4:30 PM on Friday, May 13, 2011.
Gettysburg Licensed Battlefield Guide Phil Lechak retired after spending 37 years working for the United States Postal Service. Phil first came to Gettysburg in 1999 and had Paul Cooksey as his guide. Phil became a self-described “Gettysburgaholic,” and decided to study to become a Licensed Battlefield Guide. He passed the December 2004 exam, and was licensed in November of 2005. He started as a part-time Guide, but became full time when he retired in January, 2007.
To see Phil Lechak’s previous series on Camp Letterman, click here.
In today’s Gettysburg Hospitals post, Gettysburg Licensed Battlefield Guide Phil Lechak introduces us to the George Spangler Farm which is known as the site where Confederate Brigadier General Lewis Armistead died.
This map shows the location of the George Spangler Farm. The farm is bordered by the Granite Schoolhouse Lane to the north, and Blacksmith Shop Road to the east. Videos #1-2 were taken near the entrance to the George Spangler Farm. Video #3 was taken in the lane leading to the farm, and closer to the barn. This map was created facing north at approximately 9:00 PM on Saturday, May 14, 2011.
In Video #1 Gettysburg Licensed Battlefield Guide Phil Lechak is standing by the entrance to the George Spangler Farm. He introduces us to this series and shows us the Armistead-Hancock marker. This view was taken facing west to southwest at approximately 4:30 PM on Friday, May 13, 2011.
A closer view of the marker to the Eleventh Corps Field Hospital at the entrance to the George Spangler Farm. This view was taken facing west at approximately 4:30 PM on Friday, May 13, 2011.
Gettysburg Licensed Battlefield Guide Phil Lechak is kneeling by the Armistead Hancock marker near the entrance to the George Spangler Farm. This view was taken facing southwest at approximately 4:30 PM on Friday, May 13, 2011.
A closer view of the Armistead-Hancock marker. The dedication ceremony took place at 9:00 AM on April 8, 2000 with Adams County Historical Society Director and Licensed Battlefield Guide Wayne Motts as the main speaker. This view was taken facing southwest at approximately 4:30 PM on Friday, May 13, 2011.
Although the Gettysburg Foundation acquired the George Spangler Farm to be given to the National Park Service, it has not yet been opened to the general public. A yellow chain is across the entrance to the driveway. This view was taken facing west at approximately 4:30 PM on Friday, May 13, 2011.
Licensed Battlefield Guide Phil Lechak is standing by one of the Gettysburg Foundation signs warning visitors to stay off the property. The Spangler Barn is in the right background. This view was taken facing northwest at approximately 4:30 PM on Friday, May 13, 2011.
In Video #2 Licensed Battlefield Guide Phil Lechak explains about the George Spangler Farm being closed to the general public. Pay no attention to the man walking towards the camera in the background. He was there to mow parts of the property for the foundation. This view was taken facing northwest at approximately 4:30 PM on Friday, May 13, 2011.
The “No Trespassing” signs now completely suround the property. This view was taken facing west at approximately 4:30 PM on Friday, May 13, 2011.
Phil Lechak is holding a copy of Greg Coco’s book, A Vast Sea of Misery. It is the best source for information on 1863 hospitals in the Gettysburg area. This view was taken facing northwest at approximately 4:30 PM on Friday, May 13, 2011.
In Video #3 Phil Lechak shows a copy of Greg Coco’s book, A Vast Sea of Misery, and introduces us to the Spangler Barn. This view was taken facing west at approximately 4:30 PM on Friday, May 13, 2011.
The text for all of the Corps Hospital markers. For a pdf version, click here.
Dr. Jonathan Letterman’s Official Report of the Battle of Gettysburg. For a pdf version, click here.
Greg Coco’s book, A Vast Sea of Misery is available from Thomas Publications. For ordering information, click here.
To see other posts by Gettysburg Licensed Battlefield Guides,click here.
